Researchers have discovered that northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins are working together to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a cooperative behavior never documented before.
Using drones, underwater cameras, and acoustic tags, scientists observed dolphins speeding ahead as “scouts,” locating Chinook salmon that the orcas then pursued and caught. After the whales tore apart their prey at the surface, dolphins moved in to scavenge leftovers, and the whales showed no aggression, which researchers found striking.
Acoustic recordings revealed alternating echolocation from both species during dives, suggesting they may be listening to each other and expanding their shared ability to track fish.
Other explanations — such as dolphins seeking protection or stealing scraps — did not match the consistent pattern of orcas following dolphins. Instead, the evidence points toward genuine cooperation.
Scientists now want to understand whether this partnership improves the whales’ hunting success and how both species benefit. The findings highlight the impressive adaptability and intelligence of both dolphins and killer whales.
