Orca Rams into Yacht Near Scotland, Suggesting the Behavior May Be Spreading

Orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar have been ramming into ships off the coasts of Spain and Portugal, but a recent incident suggests that this behavior may be spreading. A Dutch sailor traveling between Scotland and Norway encountered an orca that rammed into his yacht multiple times. Scientists are intrigued by this behavior occurring so far from the Iberian orcas and believe it may be spreading through various pods or communities. Meanwhile, off the Iberian coast, boat-ramming behavior by orcas continues to occur, with one incident happening during the Ocean Race. Scientists suspect that a female orca named “White Gladis” may be partially responsible for teaching this behavior to other orcas through observation.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/orca-rams-into-yacht-near-scotland-behavior-may-be-spreading-180982429/

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