Here's why orcas should not be considered harmless:
* Size and Strength: Orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family, weighing up to 9 tons. Their size and strength mean they could easily inflict serious injury on a human.
* Predatory Behavior: Orcas are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They have a natural instinct to hunt and kill prey, and a human could be perceived as prey in certain situations.
* Incidents: While rare, there have been a few documented incidents of orcas interacting aggressively with humans. These incidents often involve orcas being provoked or stressed.
* Individual Variation: Like any species, individual orcas can have different temperaments. Some might be more curious or playful around humans, while others might be more aggressive.
It's important to remember that orcas are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. While encounters with orcas are generally safe, it's always wise to maintain a safe distance and never approach or interact with them in the wild.