They are found along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Baja California, typically from the intertidal zone to a depth of 120 m (390 ft), and feed on benthic invertebrates and small fishes.

Girard also described what would later be determined to be a junior synonym of B. binoculata, R. cooperi, based on notes made by James G. Cooper on a decaying big skate found ashore near the entrance of Shoalwater Bay, Washington.

It occurs in coastal bays, estuaries, and over the continental shelf, usually on sandy or muddy bottoms, but occasionally on low strands of kelp.

[2][3] A juvenile has smooth skin, while an adult has small prickles on its dorsal surface and the underside of the snout, between the gill slits, and on the abdominal region.

Juvenile northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) are known to consume the egg cases of the big skate.

[3] The female deposits her eggs in pairs on sandy or muddy flats; the breeding season is indiscrete, and egg-laying occurs year-round.

[3] Females may use distinct spawning beds, as large numbers of egg cases have been found in certain localized areas.

[2] The growth rates of big skates in the Gulf of Alaska are comparable to those off California, but differ from those off British Columbia.

This species is usually taken as bycatch in bottom trawls; the pectoral fins are sold as "skate wings" and are eaten baked or fried, often being labeled as imitation scallops.

[7] Fisheries encountering big skate are managed separately in three areas: Alaska, the Canadian province of British Columbia, and the west coast of the contiguous United States (Washington, Oregon, and California).

Stock assessments for big skate have been conducted in all these areas, none of which found that overfishing was occurring.