Mystery Orcas Delight Seattle-Area Whale Watchers With Rare Appearance

A trio of orcas, previously undocumented in the region, has captivated whale watchers in Washington state and British Columbia. The whales were first spotted in Vancouver Harbour on March 6, 2026, and have since traveled south, appearing in Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia.

Unusual Visitors Spark Scientific Interest

Researchers are intrigued by the appearance of these “mystery whales,” as dubbed by the Orca Behavior Institute. Jared Towers, head of Bay Cetology, stated that it is “absolutely unheard of” to encounter previously undocumented orcas in the Salish Sea.

The orcas, identified as Bigg’s killer whales (also known as transients), do not match any individuals in existing photographic catalogs compiled over decades of research. These catalogs include extensive data on both the endangered southern resident killer whales and the more common Bigg’s killer whales.

Clues to Their Origin

Initial documentation of the trio dates back to March 2025, when they were photographed in Anchorage, Alaska. Emma Luck, a marine biologist, recognized the whales from this earlier sighting.

Distinctive circular scars on all three orcas – a female and two younger males – provide further clues. These scars are remnants of bites from cookie-cutter sharks, which typically inhabit warmer, tropical waters south of Hawaii. The presence of these scars suggests the orcas have spent time in both tropical and Arctic waters, indicating a wide-ranging travel pattern.

A City Slicker Tour?

The orcas’ recent movements have been particularly notable, visiting major urban areas. Gary Sutton, a whale researcher with Ocean Wise, playfully described their journey as a “city slicker tour,” noting their appearances in Vancouver, Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. They even ventured into the Duwamish Waterway in Seattle.

Their vocalizations, captured by an underwater microphone at Highline College in Des Moines, do not match those of commonly found orca populations in Washington waters.

Ongoing Research and Identification

Researchers have assigned different identification numbers to the trio. Bay Cetology has designated them T419, T420, and T421, while the Oceanic Research Alliance has labeled them OCX085, OCX086, and OCX087.

Luck suggests the orcas may originate from the Gulf of Alaska or even the Aleutian Islands or Bering Sea. The reason for their unusual foray into urban waters remains unknown, but researchers continue to study their behavior and movements.

Key Takeaways

• Three previously undocumented orcas have been observed in Washington state and British Columbia.
• The orcas exhibit scars from cookie-cutter sharks, indicating travel to tropical waters.
• Their initial documentation was in Anchorage, Alaska, in March 2025.
• Researchers are working to determine the orcas’ population of origin.