Scientists are exploring a new theory that orcas, also known as killer whales, may be practicing hunting techniques on human vessels as a way to train for taking down great white sharks. Researchers have observed coordinated attacks by orcas on sailboats, where the whales specifically target and disable the rudders, a behavior that mirrors how they are known to incapacitate sharks to extract their nutrient-rich livers.
Behavioral ecologist Tristan Guttridge stated that orcas are capable of surgically removing a shark's liver, leaving the rest of the carcass, and suggested that this practice may have led to a decline in great white shark populations in areas where these coordinated attacks have been observed. The first documented instance of killer whales attacking a great white shark occurred off the California coast in October 1997, after which all great white sharks reportedly disappeared from the area.
In South Africa, dead great white sharks have been found washed ashore with their livers missing, an indication that orcas are targeting this vital organ, which constitutes approximately 25% of a shark's body weight and provides a significant energy source for orcas. Sharks' livers are also crucial for buoyancy control, and for a great white shark, this organ can weigh hundreds of pounds.
Orcas are larger than great white sharks, with some individuals exceeding 30 feet in length and weighing over 14,000 pounds. Researchers have noted that orcas are not only physically dominant but are also developing new hunting strategies. They travel thousands of miles, such as to Spain, to engage with small yachts and sailboats, which is hypothesized to be a form of training.
Since May 2020, there have been over 600 reported incidents of orcas interacting with boats along the Spanish coast. Guttridge proposed that these interactions might serve as a teaching platform for young orcas, with theories ranging from retaliation and play to competition.
Scientists have witnessed instances where specific orcas, such as 'Port' and 'Starboard' in South Africa, have seemingly taught other orcas how to hunt great white sharks. To investigate further, researchers used a modified sailboat with a reinforced rudder and specialized equipment to record orca vocalizations and observe their attack patterns.
During an experiment in the Strait of Gibraltar, researchers observed a pod of orcas, including one identified as 'Atlas,' disable the decoy boat by attacking its rudder. This tactic is believed to be analogous to how orcas disable sharks by targeting their pectoral fins, which allows them to turn the shark upside down and induce a temporary paralysis before extracting the liver.
Orcas possess advanced communication abilities, using echolocation and vocalizations at frequencies far beyond the hearing range of great white sharks. This allows them to approach prey undetected. Great white sharks, conversely, are more visual hunters and rely heavily on their sense of smell. The research team recorded orca vocalizations during boat attacks, confirming that the sounds were at high frequencies, suggesting a deliberate strategy to remain undetected by sharks. This sophisticated teamwork and communication highlight the intelligence and adaptability of orcas as apex predators.