Killer Whale Mystery in the Strait of Gibraltar

Killer whales, known for their intelligence and hunting prowess, are baffling scientists with unusual behavior in the Strait of Gibraltar. Since 2020, there have been over 700 encounters between these whales and boats, with some incidents resulting in damaged and even sunken vessels.

The Attacks

Unlike typical hunting behavior, the killer whales appear to be targeting boats specifically. They ram and slam their bodies against the hulls, particularly focusing on rudders, causing significant damage. Thankfully, there haven't been any reported human injuries.

Theories Arise

Scientists are puzzled by this new development and have proposed two main theories:

• Playful Experimentation: One theory suggests the killer whales might be engaging in a playful activity. Young orcas are known to be inquisitive and explore new behaviors. Perhaps some learned this boat-ramming technique, and others are imitating it for fun.

• A Past Encounter: Another theory proposes a negative experience with a boat, like entanglement in fishing gear, might have triggered a shift in behavior in a specific killer whale. This orca, possibly the well-known female named White Gladis, could have then influenced the behavior of others in the pod.

International Concern

This ongoing mystery has become a multinational concern, with scientists and authorities from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco working together. The frequent encounters raise safety risks for boaters and highlight potential threats to the orcas themselves if negative interactions with boats become more common.

The Search for Answers

Researchers are actively investigating the cause of this behavior. They are monitoring orca movements, testing deterrents, and hoping to unlock the mystery behind this unexpected aggression towards boats in the Strait of Gibraltar.