Why are killer whales not aggressive to humans

Humans aren't on the menu. And we're not as fattening as walruses and seals.

Where as for lions and tigers., they're used to eating humans, baboons, or other tasty primates.

 

Re: killer whale

They are not usually aggressive towards humans. A few examples do exist to the contrary. One of which is that of Robin Williams. While filming Dolphins of the World – a TV special - he was in the water in some location in Africa I think. The dolphins there are famous for coming up to swimmers for a hello and some fish. One of them bit Williams pretty badly. For some reason it just didn’t like him. He expressed a whole new respect for the species...and a touch of fear.

 

Re: Re: killer whale

Yeah well honestly, how many of us here can say we would not bite Robin Williams if we saw him swimming in the water?

eNtRopY

 

Yes this was an aberration in the typical behavior. I really like your question. How would a dolphin react to its nearest living land relative, the cow? Really, I know you suspect that it would be different, but I wonder if anyone knows.

 

Re: Re: Re: killer whale

um...er...eh...why would that be? Are you getting a little light in your loafers...or would this be a vicious attack?

 

Agree. They don't recognize us as their regular food source. This goes for sharks too. Many shark "attacks" are simply curiosity nibbles (which cause havoc with our thin skin).

However, note that we're closer to the food menu for orcas than dolphins (since orcas eat larger pray like seals). You'll notice at SeaWorld/etc. that the trainers wear red wetsuits...this is an extra visual cue for the whales that the trainers are not seals to be eaten(as compared to the standard black wetsuit which may cause confusion).

 

Marine mammals have acute sonar sensing abilities.
They may sense that we(humans) are able to think about our surroundings rather than responding automatically like other mammals.
This could interest them on an intellectual level as they do to us.

Sam