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Title: Why Do Killer Whales Keep Handing Us Fish? Scientists Unpack the
Mystery

Link: https://science.slashdot.org/story/25/07/05/0...

Science Daily reports: Wild orcas across four continents have repeatedly
floated fish and other prey to astonished swimmers and boaters, hinting that
the ocean's top predator likes to make friends. Researchers cataloged 34 such
gifts over 20 years, noting the whales often lingered expectantly - and
sometimes tried again - after humans declined their offerings, suggesting a
curious, relationship-building motive... "Orcas often share food with each
other - it's a prosocial activity and a way that they build relationships
with each other," said study lead author Jared Towers, of Bay Cetology in
British Columbia, Canada. "That they also share with humans may show their
interest in relating to us as well." The complete research was published in
the Journal of Comparative Psychology. Its title? "Testing the Waters:
Attempts by Wild Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) to Provision People (Homo
sapiens)."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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