When you hear whales, you think of giant creatures that live underwater and swallow tons of fish. These marine mammals are beautiful creatures, but do they pose any risk to humans?
The short answer is: maybe not all of them. Some whales have attacked humans, and it often makes the news.
However, a few species like dolphins and blue whales are known to be friendly toward humans. They go out of their way to spend time with us.
Read on to learn more about the temperament and behavior of this aquatic animal.
Are Whales Friendly to Humans?
The answer then is a yes and no. Do not expect this animal to play around with a diver, but there are species that have shown good reception to people.
Generally, these marine mammals are not “friendly” toward any form of life on land. Whales are as “hostile” towards humans as they are to fish swimming in their vicinity.
They are not interested in establishing an emotional connection with humans, but there are a few exceptions.
Some species—like blue whales and dolphins—can be friendly and curious about humans. Some anecdotal reports prove that a few species won’t harm humans unprovoked.
Whales are non-violent solitary animals that naturally won’t display aggressive behaviors towards humans.
Humans are too large to be consumed by some species with tiny throats, so they’ll instead prey on smaller marine animals like fish, krill, etc.
Humpback whales can have a human in their large mouth but will find it difficult to swallow as it’s scientifically impossible to do so. If a whale feels threatened by a human, it might defend itself by attacking. 1
Despite the beautiful pictures on Instagram with the hashtag “Swimming with Whales,” if you ever happen to be in the ocean and spot one, be aware and cautious enough to keep your distance.
You don’t want to find out if the whale is friendly or not the hard way.
Why Are Whales Friendly to Humans?
We don’t know why whales are friendly to humans, but we can assume they are because they both share similar morphology and behavior.
Whales possess human-like behavior and cultures with a sophisticated brain structure unique and identical to the large brains of humans and other primates living on land. 2
Whales are gradually becoming friendly to humans and enjoy being petted by them.
We can also conclude that they are friendly because of their curious nature, which makes them want to know more about the humans swimming around their environment.
Why Are Whales Hostile Towards Humans?
The most important thing to understand is that as humans, we don’t inhabit this animal’s natural environment.
We live on land, while whales are in their natural habitat—water. Humans are creatures that make a lot of noise, while these marine mammals make very little.
Also, they have also been around for more than 50 million years, while humans are believed to have been around for only 200,000 years. Humans are a very new species, whereas, these marine mammals are ancient.
These are just a few things that make it difficult for us to understand each other. Another reason they are hostile toward humans is that humans hunt them for food.
Do Whales Eat Humans?
Whales are not known to eat humans, and we don’t form a large part of their diet. They can only be hostile, and there are many reasons for this, as we have mentioned above.
One such reason is that humans are the actual predators of whales, so they have learned to be on the offensive.
Whales have other dietary options besides humans, some of which include other mammals. The orca is a good example.
While they are known as “fish eaters,” they will eat other marine mammals like seals, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and sea turtles.
Other species will also eat marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and different types of sea turtles.
Can Humans Swim with Whales?
While the idea of swimming with whales is exciting—and many people go to great lengths to do so—it is not a great idea. It is also illegal and dangerous. Going close to their calves is even worse.
It is better to observe this large marine mammal from a safe and respectful distance.
Can Humans Ride on the Back of Whales?
One of the most common misconceptions is that humans can ride on the back of a whale. It is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
Humans can only sit on their backs if the whale is trained and used to being around humans.
They are wild animals, and unless you are an experienced whale trainer, sitting on the back of this large aquatic mammal is not a good idea.
Some Examples of Friendly Whales
While some species are known to be friendly, it is advisable to respect our differences and observe these animals from a distance. Some of these friendly whales include:
- Beluga whale
- Orca or killer whale – They are not directly aggressive to humans. However, there has been a reported incident in the past.
- Sperm whale – They are very friendly, and curious, and understand that humans should not be eaten as part of their diet. Hence, it is safe to swim with a sperm whale.
- Blue whale
- Minke whale – They are gentle and good scuba diving partners
- Right whale
- Fin whales – Humans are their primary threat
- Sei whales
- Humpback whale – They are incredibly gentle and non-aggressive
- Gray whale 3
Related Questions
What is the friendliest whale?
Gray whales are the most friendly whales. They are known to be very curious and inquisitive, hence their reputation for being the “friendliest whales.” These animals often swim close to boats and surface vertically out of the water with their head, to observe their surroundings. This behavior is known as spyhopping.
Are whale sharks friendly?
Whale sharks are gentle and friendly creatures that mostly avoid humans. Despite the fact that they can reach up to 20 meters long, this shark species is known to be harmless to humans. They don’t ever consider eating humans as their go-to food option is small fishe and plankton?
The biggest risk this shark pose to humans when they swim very close is accidentally swatting them with their tail.
Conclusion
It is a good idea for humans to observe whales from a safe and respectful distance. While they might be non-aggressive and friendly creatures, you must know that this only applies to some species.
Some can be hostile toward humans swimming in their habitat.
If you are interested, you might consider visiting a whale-watching tour or taking a whale-watching cruise.
With so many options, knowing many factors is essential when choosing a tour you will take.
References & Notes
Facts Sources:
- Humpback whale. [online] National Geographic.
- University of Manchester (2017). Whales and dolphins have rich ‘human-like’ cultures and societies.[online] ScienceDaily.
- Meet the Gray Whale, the “Friendly” Whale. [online] Major Marine Tours
