Why Are Orcas Ramming Yachts? New Research Suggests It’s All About Practice

Scientists have a new theory about why orcas are ramming yachts in the Iberian Peninsula: it’s practice for hunting their favorite food, Atlantic bluefin tuna. The study suggests that the young orcas are using the boats’ rudders as targets, mimicking the behavior they use to isolate and tire out tuna before capturing them. This behavior, while concerning for sailors, may be a natural part of the orcas’ playful learning process, which helps them develop the skills needed for successful hunting.

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