How do killer whales kill sharks?

Killer whales, also known as orcas, are apex predators that hunt a wide variety of prey including fish, seals, sea lions, and even other whales. Contrary to popular belief, they do not typically hunt sharks. However, there have been rare instances where killer whales have been known to prey upon sharks, such as great whites and tiger sharks.

When killer whales do target sharks, they employ various hunting strategies depending on the shark species and the situation. One common strategy involves using their powerful tails to strike the shark, stunning or disorienting it. Killer whales may also use their sharp teeth to bite and tear at the shark's vulnerable areas like the gills and underbelly. Additionally, killer whales have been observed working together in coordinated attacks to overwhelm and subdue their shark prey.

It's important to note that killer whales are highly intelligent and social animals with complex behaviors. Their hunting strategies and prey preferences can vary based on factors such as their cultural traditions and the abundance of different prey species in their habitat. While killer whales are capable of hunting sharks, these interactions are relatively uncommon compared to their predation on other marine mammals and fish.