Orcas - also known as killer whales - have been damaging and sinking boats off the coast of Spain and Portugal for weeks now.
Over a dozen whales are involved, which suggests the combatants have organized a small army and are teaching each other how to bring down vessels.
No one knows why this is happening and the internet is freaking out about it.
Leading theories include:
- A female in the pod known as "White Gladis" and her posse may be exacting revenge for an injury gleaned from a boat rudder.
- They're simply playing around. Most orcas in the pack are juveniles and juveniles like to have fun.
- Orcas really enjoy the feeling of the water currents and bubbles from a moving boat's rudders and propellers. When boats stop, orcas get frustrated and lash out.
But here's the simplest, and perhaps most bizarre, take: it's simply a fad, just like the 1987 "salmon hat wearing fad" where an orca off the coast of Seattle began wearing a salmon over its nose and then 70+ orcas quickly followed suit. Can't make this stuff up!
Sometimes we forget just how smart these creatures are - orcas have an IQ similar to that of a 15-16 year old human and have robust cultural practices amongst themselves.
So there...now you have a rabbit hole good for at least three hours of reckless Googling.
|