BEHAVIOUR Some activities and behaviours that are commonly seen while observing wild killer whales are: FORAGING is the most common activity of resident whales. Whales are foraging when they are feeding or appear to be searching for food. Pod members spread out, usually covering areas of several square kilometres when searching for food. Killer whales often forage in narrow passages, some individuals comb the shorelines, while others, especially mature males, swim out into the middle of channels. Killer whales travelling together TRAVELLING whales are swimming forward consistently in one direction at a moderate to fast pace, usually in a tight formation. Travelling whales are usually highly vocal - probably to keep together as they move in the underwater environment. Killer whales can travel as fast as 30 km/hr, they generally cruise at about 9 km/hr. Whales usually REST after foraging. Whales often group tightly together abreast, forming a line that dives and surfaces for air regularly as a cohesive unit. This activity is the whales' version of sleep, but is not like human sleep – the whales must continue swimming forward and must consciously and continuously surface for air. Resting episodes may last from 1-7 hours at a time. All pictures and audio © Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre 1999 Killer Facts | Distribution | Snacks & Facts | Clans & Pods | Whale Chat | Behaviour | Mug Shots |