Orcas are powerful predators and some of the most intelligent marine animals in the ocean. But what they eat depends on the type of orca and where they live.
In British Columbia, different orca populations hunt different prey. Some mainly eat fish, while others hunt marine mammals like seals and sea lions.
This is one reason orcas are such successful hunters. They adapt their behavior, work together in groups, and use different hunting techniques depending on the food they are searching for.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What resident orcas eat
- What Bigg’s orcas hunt
- How orcas find food
- Whether orcas eat whales
- Why food is important for orca survival
Resident Orcas Mainly Eat Salmon
Resident orcas in British Columbia mainly feed on fish, especially salmon.
Their favorite food is Chinook salmon.
These large salmon contain a lot of fat and energy, which helps support orcas throughout the year.
Resident orcas are often seen following salmon migration routes through the Salish Sea and coastal waters around British Columbia.
They commonly eat:
- Chinook salmon
- Coho salmon
- Chum salmon
- Other fish species
Because salmon is such an important food source, changes in salmon populations can directly affect resident orca survival.
According to NOAA Fisheries, a diverse range of fish species helps support the diet of killer whales throughout the year, especially when salmon availability changes seasonally.
Bigg’s Orcas Hunt Marine Mammals
Bigg’s orcas, also called transient orcas, have a very different diet.
Instead of fish, they mainly hunt marine mammals.
Their prey can include:
- Harbor seals
- Sea lions
- Porpoises
- Dolphins
- Small whales
Bigg’s orcas are known for their powerful hunting skills and teamwork. They often travel in smaller groups and move quietly while searching for prey.
Unlike resident orcas, Bigg’s orcas do not depend heavily on salmon runs.
This difference in diet is one reason scientists classify resident and Bigg’s orcas as separate ecotypes.
Do Orcas Eat Other Whales?
Yes – some orcas do hunt whales.
This is actually where the name “killer whale” originally came from.
Early sailors watched orcas hunting larger whales and called them “whale killers.”
In some parts of the world, orcas have been observed hunting:
- Gray whale calves
- Minke whales
- Dolphins
- Porpoises
These hunts usually involve teamwork and advanced hunting strategies.
However, whale hunting is not something visitors commonly see near Vancouver during whale watching tours.
How Orcas Hunt for Food
Orcas are highly intelligent hunters and often work together as a team.
Different pods use different hunting techniques depending on their prey.
Some hunting methods include:
- Surrounding schools of fish
- Creating waves near seals
- Silent underwater communication
- Coordinated group attacks
Young orcas learn these techniques from older pod members over time.
Scientists believe this type of learning is one reason orcas are considered among the smartest marine animals in the ocean.
Why Food Is Important for Orca Survival
Food availability plays a huge role in the survival of orcas in British Columbia.
For resident orcas, healthy salmon populations are extremely important. When salmon numbers drop, orcas may struggle to find enough food.
Other challenges affecting orcas include:
- Pollution
- Noise from boats
- Habitat changes
- Reduced prey availability
Because of this, many conservation groups focus on protecting both orcas and their food sources.
Healthy oceans are essential for keeping orca populations strong in the future.
One major challenge for southern resident orcas is food availability. In recent years, lower Chinook salmon populations have made it harder for some orcas to find enough food in British Columbia waters.
According to Georgia Strait Alliance, reduced salmon availability is considered one of the biggest threats to southern resident orca populations.
Can You See Orcas Hunting in British Columbia?
Sometimes whale watchers are lucky enough to observe hunting behavior in the wild.
Bigg’s orcas may occasionally be seen:
- Chasing seals
- Traveling silently
- Hunting near rocky shorelines
Resident orcas are often spotted following salmon-rich areas during summer.
However, hunting activity can happen very quickly and is never guaranteed during a whale watching tour.
This unpredictability is part of what makes seeing wild orcas so exciting.
Final Thoughts
Orcas in British Columbia eat different types of prey depending on the population and hunting style.
Resident orcas mainly feed on salmon, while Bigg’s orcas hunt marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises.
Their teamwork, communication, and hunting strategies make them some of the most fascinating predators in the ocean.
If you want to learn more about orcas and whale watching around Vancouver, you can also explore our whale watching guides and seasonal whale watching articles about the best time to see orcas in British Columbia.