Meet K-Pod
Since studies began in the 1970s, K-Pod has been the smallest of the three Southern Resident pods, usually numbering between 15 and 20 individuals. There were years where K-Pod was known to split into two groups, with one sub-group sometimes spending a large portion of the year with either J- or L-Pods. After a few matrilines have died out, however, it seems the pod as a whole has become a more cohesive unit. The current matrilines are the K12s, K13s, K14s, and K16s, and they have been consistently traveling together in recent years. As of the beginning of 2024, K-Pod currently numbers 15 whales.
Historically, Ks would come into the Salish Sea and join J-Pod sometime during the spring months. They would be in inland waters for most of July, August, and September, before exiting the region in the fall and spending the rest of the year on the outer coast. Since the early 2000s, K-Pod made a shift in their fall and winter habitat usage and started spending more time in Puget Sound from October through December. Nowadays, Ks are rarely seen in inland waters during the first half of the year, and make periodic visits during the second half of the year.
Historically, Ks would come into the Salish Sea and join J-Pod sometime during the spring months. They would be in inland waters for most of July, August, and September, before exiting the region in the fall and spending the rest of the year on the outer coast. Since the early 2000s, K-Pod made a shift in their fall and winter habitat usage and started spending more time in Puget Sound from October through December. Nowadays, Ks are rarely seen in inland waters during the first half of the year, and make periodic visits during the second half of the year.
K-Pod's most common call types
K-Pod is known for their high-pitched, kitten-like discrete calls, S16 and S17, which are often made in tandem. S36 is another unique call that is periodically made by all three pods, but is most often heard from Ks.
S16
S17
S36
Days Present in the Salish Sea in 2019-2023
Historically, Ks would come into the Salish Sea and join J-Pod sometime during the spring months. They would be in inland waters for much of July, August, and September, before exiting the region in the fall and spending the rest of the year on the outer coast ranging from BC to central California. Since the early 2000s, K-Pod made a shift in their fall and winter habitat usage and started spending more time in Puget Sound from October through early January. Nowadays, Ks are rarely seen in inland waters during the first half of the year, and make periodic visits during the second half of the year.
K-Pod Audio Recordings
A few hydrophone clips featuring K-Pod vocalizations. If you enjoy these, you can check out some of other favorite recordings over the years on our Soundcloud.
K-Pod Multimedia Gallery
K-Pod Photo Gallery
A few highlight photos of K-Pod members past and present.
