Scientists have revealed that orcas are hunting sharks in the California Gulf, targeting large species including bull sharks and blacktip sharks.
In a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, researchers documented three instances of orcas (Orcinus orca) hunting sharks between 2022 and 2023 at the Cabo Pulmo National Park (CPNP), a marine reserve in the Gulf of California, California, USA.
Image shows orcas after a successful bull shark hunt. (Photo: Jesús Erick Higuera-Rivas/Luis Mario Castro Arvizu/Ayres, Gallagher, and Higuera-Rivas/Frontiers in Marine Science 2024).
Researchers noted: “The events described here represent the first recorded interaction between predators and prey, specifically orcas and sharks, within the boundaries of the CPNP marine reserve.”
On January 9, 2022, a drone captured footage of six orcas patrolling an area known for its abundance of blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus), which can grow up to 2.4 meters in length. In the footage, two females, one named Quetzalli, separated from the rest of the pod to hunt a shark. However, it disappeared into deeper waters.
On January 21, 2022, local diving guide Carlos Lozano Hernandez observed orcas attempting to kill a bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)—a large, aggressive species that can reach lengths of up to 3.3 meters. According to the study, this hunt was a coordinated attack.
“The shark could be seen at the surface as one orca attacked it from the side, causing the shark to slip away but then immediately turn back, rolling over and attempting to strike the orca with its tail, a hunting technique known as ‘lob’ or ‘tail slap’,” the authors wrote in the study.
The second orca chased the bull shark and rammed into it, then attempted to strike it with its tail. Researchers noted that the shark swam towards a boat, thrashing wildly as it tried to wedge itself between the vessel and its attackers. The orcas circled their intended victim for 30 seconds before leaving the area.
The most recent recorded attack occurred on December 6, 2023, resulting in the shark’s death. Although the hunt was not filmed, aerial and underwater videos showed the orcas holding the bull shark in their mouths. Two of these orcas, named Niich and Waay, were from the same pod as Quetzalli.
The phenomenon of orcas hunting sharks has been documented for over 50 years. Study author Jesús Erick Higuera-Rivas stated: “Orcas have always naturally hunted sharks and rays in the Gulf of California. They hunt sharks for the high nutritional content found in their livers and intestines.”
However, the number of observations has increased recently. It is possible that modern technology, such as drones and underwater cameras, is making it easier to detect and record predatory behavior.
