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Orcas sharing prey with humans may be trying to learn ‘who we are,’ researcher says
CANADA, JUN 30 – Researchers documented 34 worldwide cases over 20 years where wild orcas offered food to humans, suggesting complex social behavior and possible interspecies altruism.
- Wild orcas have attempted to share their prey with people on more than 30 occasions across four oceans, indicating a desire to develop relationships, as reported in the Journal of Comparative Psychology.
- Researchers observed orcas dropping prey in front of people and waiting for a response, suggesting their curiosity about human interactions.
- Ingrid Visser noted that food-sharing is common among social orcas, while Carl Safina warned against approaching orcas, stating that such interactions could be harmful for both species.
- The study emphasizes the importance of keeping a safe distance from orcas to avoid potential harmful behavior between species.
71 Articles
71 Articles
A sea lion hopped on a woman's boat to escape a group of killer whales and the footage is wild
In the Pacific Northwest, orca sightings are a fairly common occurrence. Still, tourists and locals alike marvel when a pod of "sea pandas" swims by, whipping out their phones to capture some of nature's most beautiful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. While orcas aren't a threat to humans, there's a reason they're called "killer whales." To their prey, which includes just about everything that swims except humans, they are ter…
The killer whale released a dead seal near the boat.
der Standard AT
der Standard DETime and again it is observed that wild sword whales offer people food and then wait for what happens next.
Wild orcas offer humans food. Could they be trying to make friends — or manipulate us?
Researchers have documented orcas dropping prey and other marine life in front of humans, as if offering us food. The orcas' motives are uncertain, but the sharing behavior could be an attempt at a cross-species relationship or manipulation.
Study reveals killer whales share food with humans in display of altruism
Killer whales sharing food with other killer whales is well-documented, but a new study in the Journal of Comparative Psychology found that they also share with humans. In 2015, Jared Towers was filming when two whales from the same pod dropped food in front of him. — Read the rest The post Study reveals killer whales share food with humans in display of altruism appeared first on Boing Boing.
Science Daily
ecotopical.comWhy do killer whales keep handing us fish? Scientists unpack the mystery
Wild orcas across four continents have repeatedly floated fish and other prey to astonished swimmers and boaters, hinting that the ocean’s top predator likes to make friends. Researchers cataloged 34 such gifts over 20 years, noting the whales often lingered expectantly—and sometimes tried again—after humans declined their offerings, suggesting a curious, relationship-building motive.
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