Whale Watching Victoria BC: The Majestic Killer Whale
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Victoria BC whale watching tours are offered by Orca Spirit. The whale tours are three hours in length, and you can choose your vessel: a zodiac or a large, covered boat. The prime months for whale sightings are April to October. In the region--that is, the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits--there are three resident pods of orca, referred to as the J, K, and L pods, which total 100 individuals.
Due to the high number of whales in the region, there is plenty of opportunity to view them. Success rates for sightings in the prime viewing months are around 95%. There is also a good chance of spotting other types of whales, such as Humpback, Minke, and Gray whales.
Known alternately as the "orca", the killer whale is a toothed whale (as opposed to baleen), and surprisingly they are actually part of the oceanic dolphin family on account of their singular blow holes (whales have multiple blowholes). The resident orcas in the Victoria area eat almost exclusively salmon. Many orcas eat mainly fish, while others also consume other marine animals such as sea lions, walruses, seals, and even other types of whales. Despite the title of "killer" whales, wild orcas are not actually considered to be a threat to humans.
The killer whale is a highly social animal with a matrilineal social structure, meaning pods are made up of a female and her descendants. Killer whales' social systems are so complex and nuanced that they are even thought to have manifestations of culture. For instance, they have sophisticated hunting strategies and unique vocalizations, which are often specific to that group and passed down from previous generations. (A key component in the definition of "culture" in this context, seems to be teaching/learning a way of life.)
Orca Spirit respects the Pacific Whale Watch Association's guidelines for responsible whale watching in Victoria BC and is committed to upholding those standards of practice for the whales' preservation and best interest. As well, Orca Spirit donates a portion of their proceeds to sponsoring local marine research programs.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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