Researchers have documented northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins cooperating to hunt salmon off British Columbia — the first evidence of such teamwork between the two species.
Using drones, underwater cameras, and acoustic tags, scientists observed dolphins leading the chase toward large Chinook salmon, with orcas following behind and completing the hunt. After the whales break apart the fish at the surface, dolphins move in to scavenge leftover pieces, and the whales show no aggression.
Acoustic recordings revealed alternating echolocation clicks from both species, suggesting that whales and dolphins may be listening to each other and effectively expanding their shared ability to track prey.
Researchers considered other explanations — protection, bow-riding, or food theft — but the consistent pattern of dolphins guiding and whales following points to true cooperative hunting.
The discovery highlights the adaptability and intelligence of both species and raises new questions about how widespread and beneficial this unusual partnership may be.
