VICTORIA — The discovery of a dead female orca calf near Vancouver Island in American waters continues to raise questions among researchers.

A statement from the American-based Center for Whale Research says it is not clear yet whether the calf was stillborn or died shortly after birth.

CWR researchers confirmed Friday reports of an orca pushing the deceased calf in Rosario Strait separating the San Juan Islands from Washington State.

The centre says that the calf was still attached to its umbilical cord, adding that calf was either full term or near full term based on its size.

Both Canada and the U.S. list southern resident orcas as endangered, with a total of 74 members living in three pods — extended families composed of mothers and their offspring — titled J, K and L.

The centre

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