The death of Puget Sound female orca is raising concerns about the survival of the endangered species.

The orca was found dead on Vancouver Island in Canada Thursday. Researchers believe the 18-year-old female killer whale died because of pregnancy issues. The killer whale belonged to J-pod, one of the three families of southern resident killer whales that spend time in the inland waters of Washington and Canada.

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Ken Balcomb, a senior scientist with the Center for Whale Research, said the killer whales were 78 in numbers but are now only 77.

Canada and the United States have declared the whales endangered, and their critical habitat is located on both sides of the border in the Salish Sea, Juan de Fuca Strait and Puget Sound.

Female orcas reach maturity at about age 15 and usually have a calf every three to five years until they reach 40 to 45 years old.

Balcomb and team of experts from the Fisheries Department, the Vancouver Aquarium and the B.C. Animal Health Center will participate in a necropsy to find out the cause of the orca's death. Scientist are also interested in tracking diseases and other issues to obtain a better grasp of the health implications for the entire population of orcas.

"Based on historical information and clinical observations, the whale's death may have arisen from pregnancy or complications of birth," said Stephen Raverty, the veterinary pathologist of Canada's Ministry of Agriculture and Lands who will lead the necropsy.

In early September, there were two newborn orcas but these died later. In addition, there were two whales confirmed dead and missing earlier this year.

Orcas continue to struggle because of lack of food, endless pollution and disturbances from marine vessels.

TagsKiller Whale, Endangered Killer Whale, Endangered Orca, Orca, Vancouver Island, animal extinction, endangered species, Endangered