US EditionFrom Alaska to Norway: Orcas Offer Prey to Humans Worldwide
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS INCLUDING THE PACIFIC COAST OF MEXICO, CALIFORNIA, NORWAY, PATAGONIA, AND ACROSS FOUR DIFFERENT OCEANS, JUL 09 – Researchers documented 34 instances of killer whales offering food to humans across four oceans, suggesting this behavior may reflect social bonding and communication efforts, scientists say.
- Researchers documented 34 cases from 2004 to 2024 where wild orcas offered humans prey across four oceans.
- This behaviour likely stems from orcas' social nature, prosocial food-sharing within pods, and curiosity toward humans.
- Orcas delivered 18 different species including fish, birds, mammals, and seaweed, often reattempting when offers were ignored.
- Towers explained that orcas distribute food among relatives as a social behavior that helps strengthen their bonds, demonstrating their sophisticated intelligence.
- The findings suggest rare interspecies altruism and raise questions about orcas exploring human behaviour and forming cross-species bonds.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Despite the “killing whales” policy, the Orcs are keen to share their food with people. A recent study recorded and analyzed 34 cases where the Orcs offered part of their pears during the two decades, reports Science Alert.
Why are orcas gifting food to humans across the oceans?
A study published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology documents 34 instances between 2004 and 2024 where orcas approached humans and presented prey, including birds, fish, rays, turtles and whale blubber. The behaviour occurred in New Zealand, Norway, California, Patagonia and Canada, and involved generalist-hunting orcas that share food within pods and linger after each offering
Sydney Morning Herald
Orcas seen offering 'gift' to humans
Orcas have been seen offering "gifts" to humans, but nobody yet knows why.
Killer whales seen offering food to humans, scientists say rising trait among species globally
Orcas, often referred to as killer whales, are known as one of the ocean's most formidable apex predators. However, a recent study has revealed an unexpected side to these powerful marine mammals: They sometimes offer food to humans. Over the past two decades, researchers have documented 34 instances in which killer whales approached humans with offerings of food. These included dead fish, birds, stunned stingrays, and even incapacitated sharks.…
Killer whales bring food to humans in rare moment caught on camera
These events, recorded in four different oceans, involved orcas approaching people on boats, in the water, and even standing on the shore with gifts ranging from fish and mammals to birds, invertebrates, and even seaweed.
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