Orcas (Orcinus orca) might be even more ferocious predators than we give them credit for.
When hunting, all pod members work together, hitting thewhalesharkto turn it upside down.
Both whale sharks and orcas are widely distributed, though whale sharks prefer sticking to warmer, tropical waters.
Orcas observed surfacing to breath before taking a whale shark down by delivering a rapid, final blow.© Kelsey Williamson
So its certainly possible that orcas elsewhere have learned how to hunt these massive fish.
Right now, though, theres not much data available that can tell us either way.
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Orcas seen here with whale shark carrion in their mouths during an attack on 26 May 2024. © Kelsey Williamson
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