Killer whales deliberately hitting boats?

[Kyng]

https://news.sky.com/story/killer-whales...l-12889026

Researchers believe killer whales are deliberately hitting boats, causing some to sink, following a string of incidents off the southwestern tip of Europe.

Scientists believe younger orcas are imitating the behaviour of an older, hostile female.

The whale, known as White Gladis, is thought to have been traumatised following a collision with a boat or being trapped in fishing nets.

"That traumatised orca is the one that started this behaviour of physical contact with the boat," said Alfredo Lopez Fernandez, a biologist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal who has co-authored a study on the mammals' behaviour.

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Well, this is rather weird... if this is was indeed started by an older orca who got caught in fishing nets, is she doing it on purpose to try and protect herself (and others)? And do the younger killer whales have any understanding of why they're doing what they're doing?

Either way... I do hope this doesn't lead to anyone getting killed or seriously injured !

[Moonshroom]

Well... animals have a fantastic understanding of what dangers surround them, even if they are alien to them (an example that comes immediately to mind is that of the last Passenger Pigeons, once very curious and friendly birds, then leaving their nests and eggs at the smallest sense of danger). Younglings might understand what's up.

[gibby]

I actually dont blame them

[Emerald]

I guess it's the same with some people and animals are no different in their behaviour.

'Monkey see - monkey do.'

[Detective Osprey]

Well... animals have a fantastic understanding of what dangers surround them, even if they are alien to them (an example that comes immediately to mind is that of the last Passenger Pigeons, once very curious and friendly birds, then leaving their nests and eggs at the smallest sense of danger). Younglings might understand what's up.

I have a feeling it’s a new generation of Orcas, and they’re playing some sort of a game. Or they’re just curious.
This happened to the Dodos too. They were not stupid like people say, as they evolved in an island without predators.