Orca spotted off Cape Cod. Will killer whales attack local white sharks? ‘Time will tell’
A well-known orca was recently spotted off the Cape, according to researchers who say “time will tell” whether killer whales end up attacking local great white sharks.
The orca nicknamed “Old Thom” was back along Chatham over the weekend, scientists reported. The researchers say they know it was him from his very distinct dorsal fin.
“Although orcas are known to prey on white sharks in other parts of the world, there’s no evidence of that occurring in the NW Atlantic,” posted Massachusetts shark biologist John Chisholm.
“So far their presence doesn’t seem to bother the white sharks. Will that change? Time will tell,” added Chisholm, a scientist with the New England Aquarium who verifies shark sightings.
Killer whales have been seen attacking great white sharks off South Africa in recent years.
Orca sightings are very rare in these parts, and Chisholm urged anyone who sees an orca to report it.
“An Orca was spotted off Chatham yesterday!” the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy posted. “Very exciting to see!”
Looks like ‘Old Thom’ is visiting the area again. He was spotted today off Chatham. We know it’s him from his very distinct dorsal fin. You can see video of him here: https://t.co/MmePEXletF? pic.twitter.com/JyIoXt3pPo
— MA Sharks 🦈 (@MA_Sharks) June 3, 2024
The solitary bull orca, known as “Old Thom,” was spotted by boaters off Chatham.
“He’s been spotted in these waters several times over the years, often accompanied by a pod of white-sided dolphins before heading towards Nova Scotia,” the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch posted.
“Here’s a fascinating tidbit: did you know that orcas have different ecotypes, each with distinct prey preferences? Some ecotypes specialize in hunting marine mammals like seals, dolphins, and whales, while others target fish, and some even prey on sharks and rays!” the whale watch added.
Meanwhile, dead seals with shark bites have been spotted along the Cape in recent weeks as great white sharks return to the region for the summer and fall.
“Dead seal with shark bite,” reads a recent shark sighting in Dennis along Cape Cod Bay, according to the Sharktivity app.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Sharktivity app sightings are fed by researchers, safety officials, and users who upload photos for confirmation.
