Natural Predators:
* Orcas (Killer Whales): The biggest threat to many whales, especially young or sick individuals.
* Sharks: Certain shark species, like great whites, can prey on whales, especially calves.
* Other Whales: Some whales, like sperm whales, can be aggressive towards smaller whales.
Human Threats:
* Overfishing: Depleting fish stocks can make it harder for whales to find food.
* Pollution: Plastic ingestion, chemical spills, and noise pollution all harm whales.
* Climate Change: Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are impacting whale habitats and food sources.
* Ship Strikes: Vessels can collide with whales, causing serious injuries or death.
* Entanglement in Fishing Gear: Whales can get caught in nets and lines, often leading to suffocation or starvation.
So, while whales don't have a single enemy, they face a variety of challenges, both natural and human-made.