Killer Whales Observed Sharing Food with Humans, Scientists Reveal

Quick Summary:

• Study Published: Marine biologists documented interactions of wild killer whales offering food too humans, published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology.
• Data Collected: 34 incidents over two decades from various global locations,including California,norway,New Zealand,and Patagonia.
• Items Offered: Orcas presented 18 different species-fishes (6), mammals (5), invertebrates (3), birds (2), a reptile, and seaweed.
• Interaction Patterns:

– humans were approached in water (11 cases), on boats (21 cases), or shorelines (2 cases).
– Whales dropped items near humans; offerings were sometimes repeated if initially refused.
– Nearly all instances involved the whales waiting for human reactions after presenting the items.

• Behavioral Insights:

– Food sharing among orcas is customary for building relationships within their social groups.
– Offering food to humans may signify attempts at interspecies interaction influenced by their intelligence and prosocial nature.

• Research Perspectives:

– Similar behaviors are rare among non-domesticated animals but highlight orcas’ advanced cognitive abilities and cultural sophistication.

[Image Supporting Original Findings]

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