Orca That Began Trend of Attacking Boats Might Have Been Pregnant When She Began Rampage

Since 2020, there has been an increase in reports of encounters with orca whales, specifically orcas attacking boats, and causing a lot of damage. Interestingly, researchers believe the main culprit of this string of boat attacks is White Gladis, a female orca, that may have been pregnant at the start of the attacks.

Experts though are divided. Some believe that the behavior is playful, while others speculate if it’s revenge-based. However, marine biologist Mónica González, isn’t sure if that’s the case. In a webinar, she laid out a theory that White Gladis likely attacked boats due to pregnancy. However, even after giving birth in 2021 has continued the behavior. White Gladis may have accidentally taught young orcas the same trick, which they perceive as play. So, why does she attack boats? While experts aren’t entirely sure, some theorize that White Gladis experienced a traumatic event with boats. Although scary at the moment, no fatalities have been recorded.

How Long are Orcas Pregnant?

Killer whales are pregnant for about 15 to 18 months. They give birth to large calves, that can weigh up to 400 pounds and are 6 to 8 feet long. These amazing orcas are excellent mothers and have cared for their children for years. For instance, killer whales are very matriarchal. Female orcas stay with their family and form tight-nit pods. Mother orcas nurse their calves for up to 2 years. During these two years, they also teach their young how to hunt.

About Killer Whales

Killer whales aren’t just known for attacking boats. These unique marine mammals are members of the Delphinidae. They are also the largest members of this family. Orca whales can easily reach 26 feet long. The largest recorded killer whale was 32 feet long! 

Orca whales are intelligent and social animals. They live in large pods with other female family members, often taken care of by a ‘grandmother’ or ‘great-grandmother’ killer whale. They spend many hours a day foraging, socializing, and traveling. Orca whales also have no known natural predators. They are more than capable of defending themselves and even going after other apex predators, including great whites. Killer whales also hunt for fish, sea turtles, and other marine mammals. In groups, they’ve been recorded attacking sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and minke whales. 

You may have noticed that these animals are called both orcas and killer whales, but why? Orcas have a strange reputation as killers, despite rarely causing human fatalities. Although no wild orcas have ever killed a human, they’ve been feared since at least 70 AD.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © slowmotiongli/Shutterstock.com