• Question: Can killer whales eat humans??

    Asked by nakikaykay to Jo, Kevin, Valeria on 21 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Kevin Mahon

      Kevin Mahon answered on 21 Jun 2012:

      There have been very very few confirmed attacks on humans by wild killer whales, none of which has been fatal, and there have been no reports that I’m aware where they’ve eaten human flesh.

      Killer Whales, as you can no doubt tell from their names, have gained something of a bad reputation, particularly in western cultures where historically they were viewed as incredibly dangeous and blood thirsty creatures. We now know this is mostly false, and while all wild animals pose a threat to a degree, killer whales certainly don’t deserve this reputation!

      An alternative name for them is ‘Orca Whale’ which I think is much nicer as it doesn’t incorrectly stereotype them!

    • Photo: Joanna Cruden

      Joanna Cruden answered on 21 Jun 2012:

      In captivity there are several whales who have killed their trainers, whether by accident or design is not known, it may be because they want attention or they are venting their frustration but they have not tried to eat them.

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