Do whales save humans from sharks? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The notion of a whale swooping in to save a human from a shark attack is a compelling narrative that sparks both wonder and curiosity. The short answer is: yes, there is evidence to suggest that whales have, on occasion, intervened to protect humans from sharks. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances behind these interactions. These events are not commonplace occurrences, but rather unique instances driven by the specific circumstances and the complex behaviors of these majestic marine mammals. While not a regular guardian, some species like humpback whales and orca whales (killer whales) have demonstrated behaviors interpreted as protective towards humans in peril. Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating topic and explore what science and anecdotal evidence reveal about this phenomenon.

The Case for Whale Intervention

The most widely circulated example of a whale saving a human involves Nan Hauser, a marine biologist and director of the Cook Islands Whale Research. In 2017, while diving, Hauser was approached by a tiger shark, a species known for its aggressive nature. A humpback whale, seemingly aware of the threat, intervened by gently nudging Hauser away from the shark and shielding her with its body. This extraordinary incident, caught on video, provides compelling evidence that certain whales might actively perceive a human in danger and act to protect them.

Humpback Whale Altruism

Humpback whales have a reputation for displaying altruistic behaviors towards various species, not just humans. They have been observed intervening in attacks on other marine animals, suggesting that their protective behavior extends beyond their own kind. This altruism could be rooted in their complex social structure and their strong maternal instincts, as humpback whales often exhibit protective behaviors toward their calves. While we do not fully understand the motivations behind these behaviors, the instances of humpbacks assisting humans suggest a deep and still mysterious capacity for interspecies interaction.

Orca Encounters: Intelligence and Intent

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are renowned for their intelligence and intricate social structures. There are reports of orca whales aiding humans who were in danger, including cases where they’ve seemingly intervened to protect divers from shark attacks. Although there is no definitive and large scale scientific study done on this phenomenon, these instances raise questions about whether orcas’ behavior is a result of a natural protective behavior or the result of other motivations. With these apex predators, the key consideration is their inherent intelligence and social structures, which may lead to the demonstration of behavior that benefits other animals, including humans. It’s also important to note that while orcas are highly intelligent, there’s no evidence to suggest they actively seek to harm humans in the wild. Cases of orca aggression towards humans are mainly isolated to captive environments, where the animals are stressed and confined.

Dolphins: Natural Allies

Although this article focuses on whales, it’s essential to mention that dolphins are also known for displaying protective behaviors towards humans and other species in danger, including sharks. Dolphins travel in groups, and they are known to actively defend their members from shark attacks using their powerful snouts to ram into the sharks underbellies and gills, causing injury. There have been instances where dolphins have been seen to exhibit similar behavior toward humans in danger, suggesting a broader range of marine mammals exhibiting altruistic behaviors.

Why Do Whales Help?

The reasons behind these interventions are still the subject of scientific inquiry. Some theories include:

• Empathy and Awareness: Whales, especially the highly intelligent species, may possess the cognitive ability to perceive when a human is in distress.
• Interspecies Altruism: Some whales appear to exhibit a general tendency to assist other species in peril, suggesting a broader sense of empathy.
• Curiosity and Play: Some interactions may be driven by curiosity and exploration.
• Misidentification: In some cases, the behavior could be misinterpreted. A whale might simply be curious, and their movements happen to assist a human unintentionally.

FAQs: Diving Deeper into Whale-Human Interactions

Here are some frequently asked questions that offer further insights into the fascinating world of whales and their interactions with humans:

1. Has a killer whale ever saved a human from a shark?

Yes, there have been reported instances where orca whales have come to the aid of humans in danger from a shark, although these are not frequent events.

2. Do whales really save people?

While not common, there is documented evidence of whales, especially humpback whales, intervening to protect humans from shark attacks.

3. Why don’t whale sharks attack humans?

Whale sharks are filter feeders and do not view humans as prey. They prefer to filter feed and are not prone to biting or attacking. Their mouths are large enough to swallow a human whole, but they don’t have a disposition to do so.

4. What would happen if a whale shark swallowed you?

Research suggests that a whale shark would likely immediately spit out a human. They are not equipped to digest or process a large meal, such as a human.

5. Has a whale ever attacked a person?

Wild orcas have been reported to attack other animals for practice, but there is only one confirmed incident of a wild orca biting a surfer, where the orca immediately let go. Aggression is usually more prevalent with orcas in captivity.

6. Do whales befriend humans?

Some whale species, particularly humpbacks and sperm whales, have been observed actively seeking human interaction, indicating a degree of curiosity and perhaps even social bonding.

7. Will dolphins protect humans?

Yes, dolphins are known to protect humans from sharks and other dangers, utilizing their group dynamics and powerful snouts to defend against threats.

8. Why do dolphins like humans?

Dolphins are curious and intelligent animals, and their interactions with humans might be driven by curiosity and exploration of their environment.

9. Which shark is the deadliest?

The great white shark is considered the deadliest due to its size, aggressiveness, and speed, with a high number of recorded attacks on humans.

10. Are sharks afraid of dolphins?

Yes, sharks are often wary of dolphins because of the dolphins’ intelligence, group behavior, and ability to use their snouts to injure sharks.

11. Why do dolphins follow whales?

Dolphins follow whales, especially humpbacks, to surf on the waves they create, which saves them energy while traveling, as well as an enjoyable activity.

12. What would happen if all the whales died?

The extinction of whales would create a serious imbalance in the marine ecosystem, as well as the planet’s climate, causing a depletion of phytoplankton and algae.

13. Is it safe to swim near wild dolphins?

Swimming with wild dolphins is not generally recommended. They may check you out of curiosity but are likely to prefer spending time away from humans.

14. How do dolphins scare away sharks?

Although dolphins don’t actively scare sharks away, they will fight off sharks to protect their pod using their powerful snouts to ram them in their underbellies and gills.

15. Is it safe to swim near whales?

Swimming with humpback whales under the guidance of a professional is generally considered safe as long as you maintain a respectful distance, especially from their fluke (tail).

Conclusion

The question of whether whales save humans from sharks is one that leads to many interesting possibilities. While these instances are not everyday occurrences, they do highlight the complex interactions between marine life and humans. The fact that whales, especially species like humpbacks and orcas, have demonstrated behavior that can be interpreted as protective towards humans is a compelling reminder of the profound connections that exist within the ocean’s ecosystem. Although more research is needed to fully understand the motivations behind these interventions, these stories ignite our imaginations and underscore the importance of respecting and protecting these incredible animals. They are indeed more than just magnificent creatures; they are integral to the health and well-being of our planet.