Four family groups of transient orcas came together Wednesday in the Strait of Georgia near the San Juan Islands. At least 10 total orcas from the T049As, T123s, T68Bs, and T68Cs were spotted together.
The behavior was unusual for transients, who usually stay in smaller groups. Transient orcas tend to travel in groups of three to four, generally comprised of an adult female and two or three of her offspring.
Marine naturalist Traci Walter explains that transient killer whales don't get to "let loose" very often. These orcas feed on marine mammals and any noise could make their prey aware of the orcas' presence.
"So when they do have a bit of fun, they give it their best and have lot of fun all at once. We just happened to be there at the time when things got quite amazing," said Walter.
Not only were the orcas "playing," they were also vocalizing, which is also rare for transients.
Local photographer Chris Teren was lucky enough to also be there to capture the orcas on camera, in what he called one of the best encounters of his life.
"There were somewhere around 10 Biggs Killer Whales between Patos Island and East Point on Saturna Island, and they were being so social it was amazing! Breaching over and over, tail lobbing and slapping, feeding, spy-hopping, and generally looking like a bunch of very happy WILD orcas! This is how they spent their time in the wild - happy, healthy, frolicking," Teren said.
See more photography from Traci Walter and Chris Teren:
