Orcas new to Seattle delight whale watchers.

A three-orca pod not previously recorded in Salish Sea catalogs was seen near Vancouver and Seattle in March; researchers matched photos to Alaska sightings and assigned them identifiers T419, T420 and T421.

Three orcas not previously recorded in Salish Sea catalogs were observed in Vancouver and near Seattle in March. Researchers and whale watchers noted the animals were unfamiliar to local records. After checking photographs, experts linked the pod to Alaska sightings from last year. The group was assigned identifiers T419, T420 and T421 by the Orca Conservancy. Observers also noted circular scars on the animals that are associated with cookie-cutter sharks. Key details: - Sightings occurred in Vancouver, British Columbia, and around Seattle in March. - The pod has three individuals: an adult female and two probable offspring, including a large young adult male. - Photos from Alaska waters last year helped researchers match the animals to earlier sightings. - Researchers have designated the animals T419, T420 and T421. - Circular scars consistent with cookie-cutter shark bites indicate time spent in the open ocean. - This pod is reported to feed on marine mammals, unlike the region's salmon-eating resident orcas. Summary: These appearances add new entries to regional orca records and give researchers fresh observations about movement and appearance. The exact origin is still under study, with Alaska (possibly the Aleutian region) cited as a leading hypothesis. Undetermined at this time.