A pod of killer whales off the province’s west coast is getting a little added attention after being spotted by plane.
Department of Fisheries and Oceans whale researcher Dr. Jack Lawson posted a picture taken from 350 metres of a pod of killer whales spotted swimming 25 kilometres off the west coast of the island.
Lawson says even at that altitude, the species can clearly be identified by their distinctive black and white markings.
Killer whales, also known as orcas, are apex predators and the largest members of the dolphin family.
They are highly intelligent and form complex matrilineal social structures.
Yesterday our #DFO flight crew spotted a group of at least a dozen killer whales 25 km off the Newfoundland west coast! Even at an altitude of 350 m it's easy to identify this species. pic.twitter.com/6LMce1rdvm
— Dr. Jack Lawson (@drjwlawson) July 4, 2021
