Researchers Identify Mysterious Pod of Killer Whales Visiting Seattle
A pod of killer whales, previously unrecorded in the Seattle area, has been spotted near downtown Seattle, delighting whale watchers and researchers alike. The pod, consisting of an adult female and her two offspring, was first seen in Vancouver, British Columbia, and has been designated as T419, T420, and T421. These orcas are transient, as indicated by their circular scars from cookie-cutter sharks, suggesting they have spent time in the open ocean. Researchers believe the pod may originate from Alaska, possibly the Aleutian region, due to their appearance and the wide-ranging habits of some Alaskan populations. The pod feeds on sea mammals, unlike the local salmon-eating resident orcas, and has quickly become a favorite among observers.