Scientists have recorded northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins cooperating to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a partnership never documented before.
Using drones, underwater cameras, and acoustic tags, researchers observed dolphins leading the chase, cutting through the water toward schools of Chinook salmon. The orcas followed closely, caught the fish, and shared the catch with their pod while dolphins scavenged leftover pieces. Remarkably, the whales showed no aggression, even though they normally guard freshly hunted prey.
Acoustic data revealed alternating echolocation clicks from both species during deep dives, suggesting they may be listening to each other and expanding their ability to locate fish.
Other explanations — such as dolphins seeking protection or stealing scraps — didn’t fit the behavior patterns. Instead, the evidence points to true cooperative hunting, with dolphins acting as scouts and orcas providing the power to secure prey.
Researchers now hope to learn how widespread this collaboration is, and whether it improves foraging success for both animals. The finding highlights the remarkable adaptability and intelligence of both species.
