A widely known orca was lately noticed off the Cape, in keeping with researchers who say “time will tell” whether or not killer whales find yourself attacking native nice white sharks.
The orca nicknamed “Old Thom” was again alongside Chatham over the weekend, scientists reported. The researchers say they understand 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 nice white sharks off South Africa lately.
Orca sightings are very uncommon in these elements, and Chisholm urged anybody who sees an orca to report it.
“An Orca was spotted off Chatham yesterday!” the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy posted. “Very exciting to see!”
Appears to be like like ‘Old Thom’ is visiting the world once more. He was noticed at this time off Chatham. We all know it’s him from his very distinct dorsal fin. You possibly can see video of him right here: https://t.co/MmePEXletF? pic.twitter.com/JyIoXt3pPo
— MA Sharks 🦈 (@MA_Sharks) June 3, 2024
The solitary bull orca, generally known as “Old Thom,” was noticed 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.
In the meantime, lifeless seals with shark bites have been noticed alongside the Cape in latest weeks as nice white sharks return to the area for the summer season and fall.
“Dead seal with shark bite,” reads a latest shark sighting in Dennis alongside Cape Cod Bay, in keeping with the Sharktivity app.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Sharktivity app sightings are fed by researchers, security officers, and customers who add photographs for affirmation.
