A small Killer Whale breaches in the waters off the coast of Vancouver Island.  The Johnstone Strait area off the coast of Vancouver Island is the home to approximately 150 Killer Whales during the summer months.

There are a few reasons why scientists think that Killer Whales (and other whales) breach, including as a way to communicate with each other.   They could be communicating to warn other members of the pod that there is predators nearby, or to let them know that there is food.  It could also be to communicate with with boats to let them know they are in the area.

Another theory is that the breach because it is fun for them, and that they do it as a form of entertainment.  It certainly is fun for those of us watching (and photographing) them.

This image is copyright © Terri Shaddick, if you are interested in using or purchasing this image, or any other images on my site, contact Terri Shaddick at [email protected].

Taken: August 4, 2018
Location: Johnstone Strait Area, British Columbia

Camera: Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x III extender
Focal Length: 700mm
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 640
Exposure: 1/2000