Orcas (or killer whales) are large, powerful aquatic apex predators. There have been incidents where orcas were perceived to attack humans in the wild, but such attacks are less common than those by captive orcas.[1] In captivity, there have been several non-fatal and four fatal attacks on humans since the 1970s.[2] Experts are divided as to whether the injuries and deaths were accidental or deliberate attempts to cause harm.[3][4]
- ^ Cowperthwaite, Gabriela (Director) (2013). Blackfish. Magnolia Home Entertainment.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
GMAwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Haq, Husna (February 25, 2010). "Sea World tragedy: How common are 'killer whale' attacks?". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
- ^ Morris, Ethan (July 20, 2011). "Why Killer Whales Don't Eat People: Where Science and Legend Meet". QUEST. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
Many experts think these attacks are not malicious, but rather a case of play getting out of hand. Howard Garrett of the Orca Network disagrees. He argues the attacks are deliberate, though not in cold blood.