UPDATE: Large number of harbor porpoises, northbound; transient orcas too

May 30, 2022 11:33 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

11:33 AM: Per a caller from The Arroyos, hundreds of harbor porpoises, not too far off shore, are headed northbound in Puget Sound off west-facing West Seattle. Let us know if you see them!

11:53 AM: The caller, James, also sent that photo of a few of them, to show how close to shore they were as they passed.

12:23 PM: Thanks to Chris Frankovich and Kersti Muul for word that transient orcas are headed northbound off West Seattle too, not that far behind the porpoises.

10 Replies to "UPDATE: Large number of harbor porpoises, northbound; transient orcas too"

Leslie May 30, 2022 (12:03 pm)

Just saw them by Lincoln Park heading north.
Cathy May 30, 2022 (12:03 pm)

12:00- they are passing by Lowman Beach now. I’ve never seen this many all together before.
Kersti Muul May 30, 2022 (12:19 pm)

Transient orcas are in the area. NB now south of brace point west of mid channel 12:19
- WSB May 30, 2022 (12:22 pm)
  
  Thanks! Just got two messages about that including yours, expanding the story. Perhaps the porpoises are attempting to avoid becoming lunch.
  - Sarah May 30, 2022 (1:24 pm)
    
    Saw the elephant seal pop his head up N Meekwa 15 minutes ago. Anyone know where the orcas are now?
Mirte May 30, 2022 (1:47 pm)

1:46 – straight ahead from Me Kwa Mooks, in front of Tilicum Village (closer to Blake)
Morgan May 30, 2022 (3:19 pm)

Uhm…do orca hunt porpoise..? Asking on porpoise….for some sea friends.
- WSB May 30, 2022 (3:24 pm)
  
  The transient orcas (the kind also sighted today) eat mammals.
- Kersti Elisabeth Muul May 30, 2022 (5:41 pm)
  
  They do. They ate a seal before going to West Seattle though.
Shrimp are the possible prey May 31, 2022 (7:04 pm)

Perhaps shrimp fishing season is still open for them?

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