"I certainly think orcas are capable of complex emotions," Monika Wieland Shields, director of the Orca Behavior Institute told Insider.
And yet, these situations haven't resulted in wild orcas attacking boats, Shields said.
Orcas in captivity have attacked and killed humans, but there are no records of orcas killing humans in the wild.
The orcas are trying to playAccording to Shields, orcas' natural curiosity and playfulness are likely the cause for these encounters and not revenge.
According to Trites, orcas might simply enjoy the sensation of ramming into boats.
Persons:
—, they've, Andrew Trites, Sailor Werner Schaufelberger, orcas, Trites, White, Monika Wieland Shields, Suzanne Allee, Magnolia Pictures Shields, Shields, Orcas, that's, Hanne Strager, Strager
Organizations:
Service, Marine Mammal Research, University of British, Orca Behavior Institute, Magnolia Pictures
Locations:
Spain, Portugal, University of British Columbia, Canada, Blackfish, Washington