Orcas are eating sharks in the Gulf of California — and it may be happening more than we think, experts say

Orcas are hunting sharks in the Gulf of California, targeting large species including bull sharks and blacktips, scientists reveal.  

Three orcas, or killer whales, are behind the attacks, and researchers say it is unclear what impact these hunts could have on the ecosystem, and whether sharks will eventually decide to leave the area. 

In a new study published June 4 in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, scientists recorded three instances of orcas (Orcinus orca) preying on sharks between 2022 and 2023 in the Cabo Pulmo National Park (CPNP), a marine protected area in the Gulf of California, Mexico. 

"The events described here represent the first documented predator-prey interactions between orca and sharks within the boundaries of the marine protected area of CPNP," the scientists wrote. 

On Jan. 9, 2022, a drone filmed six orcas patrolling an area that's known to have numerous blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) — which can reach up to 8 feet. In the footage, two adult female orcas, including one called Quetzalli, split away from the rest of the pod to hunt a shark. However, it managed to escape to deeper water. 

On Jan. 21, 2022, local dive guide Carlos Lozano Hernandez spotted orcas attempting to kill a bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) — a large, aggressive species that can grow to 11 feet (3.3 meters) long. The hunt was "a coordinated attack," according to the study.

"The shark could be seen on surface when one orca charged the shark on its side, missing the shark only to return to try again immediately, then turning upside down and attempting to hit the shark with her tail, a hunting technique known as 'lob-tailing' or 'tail-slapping'," the authors wrote in the study.