Orcas' Mysterious 'Attacks' on Boats Puzzle Scientists in Southern Europe and Northern Africa Waters

Trade & Border IssuesHot Spots
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

Orcas have been involved in a series of "attacks" on boats in the waters between southern Europe and northern Africa since 2020, with around 500 encounters reported. While the exact cause of this behavior remains unclear, theories range from playful behavior to curiosity about boat propellers, and even the possibility of revenge for previous traumatic encounters with fishing boats. Despite these incidents, there is no record of orcas killing humans in the wild, and scientists caution against drawing definitive conclusions about their motivations.

Read more at NPR >

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Jennifer Joslyn
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