Orcas, also known as killer whales, are increasingly targeting yachts along Europe’s Iberian coast and some researchers speculate that trauma might drive their behavior.
The intrigue: These encounters between orcas and boats have sunk at least three vessels and damaged dozens of others over the years.
* A June 2022 study reports that orcas have increased the frequency of their interactions with sailing vessels in and around the Strait of Gibraltar.
Possible explanation: Some scientists believe these incidents are not attacks but rather playful behavior, while others suggest a trauma-driven motive.
* Alfredo López Fernandez, a biologist and co-author of the study, thinks the behavior might be due to a traumatizing encounter experienced by a female orca called White Gladis.
* However, Monika Wieland Shields, director of the Orca Behavior Institute, and Deborah Giles, the science and research director at Wild Orca, remain skeptical of the “revenge” hypothesis.
Relevant numbers: Since 2020, there have been more than 500 encounters between yachts and orcas in the area, involving a group of around 40 animals led by White Gladis.
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