Why do killer whales keep handing us fish?

cascadian

cascadian

Steelhead
www.sciencedaily.com

Why 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...
www.sciencedaily.com

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...

"Orcas often share food with each other — it's a prosocial activity and a way that they build relationships with each other," said study lead author Jared Towers, of Bay Cetology in British Columbia, Canada. "That they also share with humans may show their interest in relating to us as well."

The complete research was published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology ( https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-29805-001.html ). Its title? "Testing the Waters: Attempts by Wild Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) to Provision People (Homo sapiens)."


Or they pity our success rate. ;)
 
Sheeesh. I don't think Flipper ever offered fish to his human buddies. I haven't heard of Orcas attacking humans as do sharks. There is no way I'd accept a fish gift from a shark..... (or a bear, mountain lion, rattle snake and especially a tick)
 
I had a friend who was filming Orcas in the water off Argentina as they attacked seals on the beach...water was cold and very limited visibility, and some of the filming was done on scuba. Needless to say, it was a bit unnerving knowing you could barely see them while swimming amongst them, but they knew exactly where you were...
 
GAT said:
Sheeesh. I don't think Flipper ever offered fish to his human buddies. I haven't heard of Orcas attacking humans as do sharks. There is no way I'd accept a fish gift from a shark..... (or a bear, mountain lion, rattle snake and especially a tick)
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What about the Orcas attacking and sinking sailboats around Gibralter, the eastern Atlantic and the western Mediterranean ? From 1st hand descriptions cited in news reports, they seem to know exactly what they're doing
 
Brute said:
I had a friend who was filming Orcas in the water off Argentina as they attacked seals on the beach...water was cold and very limited visibility, and some of the filming was done on scuba. Needless to say, it was a bit unnerving knowing you could barely see them while swimming amongst them, but they knew exactly where you were...
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That would take huge cojones!
 
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