Bigg's killer whale encounter in Queen Charlotte Strait

Published:  
August 9, 2026
Author: 
OBI

On the evening of August 7th we had an incredible Bigg's killer whale encounter northwest of Malcolm Island in Queen Charlotte Strait. Present were the T60s with T69D2, our north Vancouver Island summer mainstays, but with them were some rare Ts: T165, T166, T166A1, and T259! Per Finwave (run by Bay Cetology) each of these whales has only been photo-documented 2-3 times in the last 11+ years!

Even more amazing was that shortly after we got on scene, they engaged in a successful Dall's porpoise hunt. T60F Tigris seemed to be leading the charge, as she was getting some major air while in pursuit. With Dall's porpoise becoming more uncommon in the Salish Sea over the last 20 years, this is a sight we rarely get to witness in the Salish Sea. Here are a few highlights of what was an evening we will never forget

Adult male T165, estimated to be at least 50 years old.
The T60s with T69D2 tightly grouped up after a successful Dall's porpoise hunt.
23 year-old male T259, only reported twice on Finwave in the last 11 years.
T60F during a Dall's porpoise pursuit

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