The Rising Intelligence of Orcas: Terrifying Behaviors Unveiled

Recent observations of orcas engaging in new and terrifying behaviors, such as attacking blue whales, abducting baby pilot whales, tearing open sharks to feast on their livers, and even ramming and sinking boats, have raised questions about whether orcas are getting smarter. While their brains are not likely changing on an anatomical level, orcas are fast learners and can teach each other new tricks, becoming "smarter" as a group. Some of these behaviors may be age-old but only now being documented, while others may be influenced by frequent interactions with humans and changing environments. Human activities, such as fishing and climate change, may indirectly drive orcas to adapt and rely on social learning to survive.