Sightings Map FAQ

We thought we'd like to take time to answer some of the most common questions received on our maps:

What are unidentified (UnID) orcas?

The gray dots on our maps indicate instances where orcas have been seen but could not be identified to ecotype (either resident or Bigg's).

Why are some places I've recently seen orcas not marked on the map?

The dots on our map indicate the first sighting location for a unique group on a unique day. We don't include duplicate sightings of the same group over the course of a day to give a sense of how many whales are utilizing the Salish Sea rather than how many times they are being reported.

Why do we call them killer whales?

We use the terms "killer whale" and "orca" interchangeably. Killer whale is the most common term among North American researchers and is the name included in official population designations - "Southern Resident killer whales", etc. Some believe the term orca is a "nicer" one to use, but it comes from their scientific name Orcinus orca which can be translated as "devilfish from the underworld", so it's not exactly friendlier. As the undisputed top predator in the ocean, "killer whale" is arguably pretty accurate!

Where is the Salish Sea?

The Salish Sea is the transboundary ecosystem encompassing the inland waters of northwest Washington State and southeast British Columbia.

Have their been any updates on T109A3A Kʷiisaḥiʔis, also known as Brave Little Hunter?

The last confirmed sighting of her was in July 2024, with possible sightings into November 2024. She was in a remote area and there can sometimes be months or even years in between sightings of individual Bigg's killer whales. Her immediate family has been seen this year but she was not with them. Follow Bay Cetology for any future updates on her status.