Killer Whales (Orcas) in North America: Pacific and Atlantic Coasts

Yes, killer whales (orcas) inhabit North American waters on both coasts and the Arctic.

Pacific Coast

• Residents (fish-eaters): Southern (SRKW, 73 individuals, endangered) & Northern (NRKW, ~300) — Salish Sea to SE Alaska.
• Transients / Bigg's (mammal-eaters): Coastwide, increasing (~500+).
• Offshores (shark-eaters): Outer continental shelf, rarely seen.
• Range: Baja California to Beaufort Sea.

Atlantic Coast

• Western North Atlantic stock: Newfoundland to Florida.
• Seasonal: Summer in Gulf of St. Lawrence / Newfoundland; winter off Mid-Atlantic / Southeast.
• Rare south of Cape Hatteras; occasional Gulf of Mexico strays.

Arctic

• Baffin Bay, Hudson Bay, Canadian Arctic Archipelago — distinct ecotypes.

Ecological Role

Apex predators. Culture-specific hunting techniques (wave-washing seals, carousel feeding herring, beaching for sea lions). Critical for marine ecosystem structure.

Viewing

Best: San Juan Islands (WA), Monterey Bay (CA), Vancouver Island (BC), Newfoundland (summer). Strict whale-watching regulations (200 yd US, 100 m Canada).