Do orcas see us as prey?
Do orcas see us as prey? However, they also have a diverse diet that includes a variety of fish, squid, and other marine animals. This diverse diet means that orca whales are not reliant on human prey and are unlikely to attack humans for food.
Why are orcas called killer whales?
Common Names Killer whales gained their common name because some types prey on other whales. They were once called whale killers by sailors who witnessed their attacks on larger cetaceans. Over time, the name was gradually switched to killer whale.
Do orcas protect humans from sharks?
Because of their intelligence and social nature, orca whales are unlikely to attack humans out of aggression or hostility. In fact, there have been numerous instances of orca whales coming to the aid of humans who were in danger, such as when a group of orca whales helped a diver escape from a shark attack.
Were trainers allowed to swim with Tilikum?
SeaWorld Orlando has always known that Tilikum, a 12,000-pound orca that killed trainer Dawn Brancheau on Wednesday, could be a particularly dangerous killer whale. SeaWorld trainers were forbidden from swimming with Tilikum, as they often did with the resort's seven other orcas.