Transient

Transient:

Transient killer whales generally travel in much smaller groups than the residents, usually up to 7 or 8 animals. These are referred to as groups rather than pods because they do not have as strong a social bond as the residents, and do not necessarily remain as a family unit, probably due to their diet. They are generally seen cruising along the shorelines hunting for their favorite food, the harbor seal. It is probably the transients that gained orca the nick name "killer whales" because of their ruthless eating habits. To avoid injury from the sharp teeth of the seals and sea lions which is their primary diet, they will usually disable their prey before killing and eating it. This may involve throwing it in the air, slapping it with their tails, ramming it, or breaching and landing on it. The whole process can be quite lengthy at times, seeming to be like torture for the prey, but is primarily for safety and training for the young killer whales. Transient killer whales will eat anything that swims in its waters, except, apparently, man. The range for transient killer whales is unknown, but may be as much as 1500 miles or more.