‘J’ pod spotted near San Juan Island

One of Puget Sound’s supposedly missing resident orca pods must have read Saturday’s edition of The Record, because they made a rare appearance. The “J” pod were spotted Sunday afternoon off the west side of San Juan Island, heading north into Canadian waters “presumably heading for the Fraser River,” according to Orca Network. The pod has been elusive so far this year, making only two documented appearances in June.

One of Puget Sound’s supposedly missing resident orca pods must have read Saturday’s edition of The Record, because they made a rare appearance.

The “J” pod were spotted Sunday afternoon off the west side of San Juan Island, heading north into Canadian waters “presumably heading for the Fraser River,” according to Orca Network. The pod has been elusive so far this year, making only two documented appearances in June.

“If they stay, and how long they stay, depends on the availability of Fraser River Chinook salmon which so far has been abysmal,” a Orca Network newsletter reported.

Last week, organization leaders said they were concerned by the low number of sightings of “J” and “K” pods. They are two of three Southern Resident pods common to the area. Sightings of “L” pod are on par with past years, they said.