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Orcas Target Juvenile Great Whites in Gulf of California

11/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Frontiers in Marine Science study finds the Moctezuma pod of orcas in the Gulf of California increasingly targets juvenile great white sharks.
The orcas use a hunting technique that flips sharks upside down to induce tonic immobility.
Two hunts in 2020 and 2022 led to three juvenile shark deaths.
Researchers say the orcas may exploit a nearby shark nursery and prey on inexperienced sharks.

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Story summary

A Frontiers in Marine Science study finds the Moctezuma pod of orcas in the Gulf of California increasingly targets juvenile great white sharks.
The orcas use a hunting technique that flips sharks upside down to induce tonic immobility.
Two hunts in 2020 and 2022 led to three juvenile shark deaths.
Researchers say the orcas may exploit a nearby shark nursery and prey on inexperienced sharks.