Wild orcas, also known as Killer whales, have been spotted offering food to humans in unusual interactions recorded over the past 20 years, according to a new study that has scientists searching for answers.
The findings, published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, describe 34 confirmed cases where orcas voluntarily approached humans and dropped sea creatures near them. These offerings included fish, seabirds, stingrays, whale parts, seaweed, and even a turtle. Most interactions were observed off the coasts of California, Norway, and New Zealand.
The orcas often paused after delivering the prey, as if watching to see how people would respond. In some cases, they repeated the action more than once. On three occasions, humans handed the items back, and the orcas returned them.
Researchers consider the behavior to be social bonding
Jared Towers, lead author of the study and executive director of Bay Cetology, a marine research institute in Canada, said the behavior may mirror how orcas bond.
“Orcas often share food with each other,” Towers said in a statement. “It’s a prosocial activity and a way that they build relationships with each other.”
The researchers included only well-documented cases (either filmed or confirmed through interviews) and excluded unclear or secondhand reports. Each recorded event involved orcas approaching humans on their own while people were in the sea, near the shoreline, or aboard boats.
Food sharing is likely not a form of play
While orcas are known for playful behavior, such as tossing objects or even damaging boat rudders, scientists believe the food offerings were not part of a game. According to the study, there was little evidence that the whales were toying with the prey. The gestures appeared intentional, not playful.
In a new paper, researchers speculate why orcas are offering “gifts” of food to humans.
In 34 documented cases worldwide, the orcas tried to give prey to humans in boats, sometimes repeatedly.
Altruistic provisioning between other orcas is common, but why to us?
— Dr Tom Montgomery (@DrTOMontgomery) July 2, 2025
Researchers suggested that orcas may be practicing learned behavior, exploring their environment, or testing human reactions. However, the exact reason remains unclear.
Experts praise cautious, detailed research
Erich Hoyt, a senior researcher at Whale and Dolphin Conservation who was not involved in the study, praised the authors’ careful approach. “The study was done carefully, removing borderline cases, and the method was clearly explained,” Hoyt said in an email. “The authors are suitably careful about the conclusions and suggesting various explanations.”
Hoyt also noted that the behavior wasn’t limited to playful young orcas. Whales of all ages and sexes were involved, pointing to a broader social pattern.
Behavior tied to specific hunting groups
All the orcas in the study were generalist hunters. These whales typically feed on surface fish and air-breathing animals such as seals and other whales. None of the interactions involved deep-water fish hunters, despite some of those orcas being familiar with humans.
Whales that hunt large prey often share food within their pods, Hoyt explained. It’s not surprising that those used to cooperative hunting might be more inclined to offer food, even to humans.
The findings shed light on the social complexity of orcas and suggest they may be capable of initiating unexpected, possibly symbolic interactions with people. Still, scientists agree: the meaning behind the behavior remains a mystery.
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