Researchers are learning more about killer whale pods off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

DFO research scientist Dr. Jack Lawson says unlike killer whale pods in British Columbia, which largely consist of a senior female and her offspring, pods in the north Atlantic consist of a broader assembly of males and females.

Lawson says rather than feeding on seals, killer whales off the coast of Newfoundland seem to have a taste for whales.

He says a few years ago, one recognized group of killer whales was known to kill three minke whales over the course of a month and a half.

Lawson says while killer whales are long-lived, intelligent, and efficient predators, he’s never been particularly worried while studying them.

In some cases, he’s been eyed by curious whales and he’s even been bumped and rubbed by animals that are bigger than the boat he’s in.