### Orcas Master New Hunting Technique: Targeting Great White Sharks for Their Livers Recent footage from the Gulf of California has revealed a shocking new behavior among orcas, also known as killer whales. Researchers have documented these apex predators hunting juvenile great white sharks with a specific focus on their energy-rich livers. This behavior, observed during multiple incidents in 2020 and 2022, showcases the orcas' remarkable hunting skills and adaptability in their marine environment. The phenomenon is particularly notable as it highlights the evolving dynamics of predator-prey relationships in the ocean, especially in light of changing environmental conditions that may be influencing shark populations in the region [https://thetimes.gr/orcas-filmed-hunting-great-white-sharks-and-eating-only-their-livers, https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/04/science/orcas-white-sharks-gulf-of-california-scli-intl]. ### Understanding the Hunting Strategy of Orcas 1. **Hunting Technique**: Orcas employ a unique method of flipping young great white sharks upside down, a technique that temporarily paralyzes the sharks, making them easier to handle. This method allows the orcas to access the liver, which is a high-energy food source [https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2025/11/03/orcas-killing-young-great-white-sharks-by-flipping-upside-down-frontiers-marine-science]. 2. **Target Species**: The focus is primarily on juvenile great white sharks, which are more vulnerable and abundant in the Gulf of California, particularly in warmer waters that may be attracting more of these sharks to the area [https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/marine-animals/orcas-hunting-white-sharks-gulf-of-california]. 3. **Pod Dynamics**: The hunting is typically conducted by specialized pods, such as the "Moctezuma pod," which have been observed coordinating their attacks effectively to maximize their hunting success [https://www.popsci.com/environment/orcas-hunt-great-white-shark]. ### Evidence of Orcas' Evolving Hunting Behavior - **Drone Footage**: Researchers have captured stunning drone footage that documents these hunting events, providing visual evidence of the orcas' techniques and their interactions with great white sharks [https://threehundredth.com/jaw-dropping-video-shows-orcas-flipping-a-great-white-shark-to-feast-on-its-liver]. - **Behavioral Studies**: Studies indicate that this behavior may be a learned technique, passed down through generations of orcas, showcasing their intelligence and adaptability in hunting strategies [https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/killer-whales-hunt-great-whites]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in Marine Predator Dynamics The recent observations of orcas hunting great white sharks for their livers reveal significant insights into marine predator dynamics. 1. **Innovative Hunting**: Orcas have developed a sophisticated hunting strategy that allows them to exploit a specific part of their prey, indicating a high level of intelligence and adaptability [https://www.livescience.com/animals/orcas/orcas-in-the-gulf-of-california-paralyze-young-great-white-sharks-before-ripping-out-their-livers]. 2. **Impact on Shark Populations**: This behavior could have implications for the population dynamics of great white sharks in the Gulf of California, particularly as environmental changes continue to affect marine ecosystems [https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/orcas-in-mexico-are-perfecting-a-chilling-way-to-hunt-great-white-sharks]. 3. **Future Research Directions**: Ongoing research will be crucial to understanding the long-term effects of this predatory behavior on both orca and shark populations, as well as the broader implications for marine biodiversity [https://www.kten.com/news/killer-whales-caught-on-camera-hunting-down-and-eating-great-white-sharks/article_e54448e5-bd8b-56ff-bedc-58d470ebb18e.html]. This evolving narrative of orca predation not only highlights their role as apex predators but also raises questions about the resilience and adaptability of marine species in the face of environmental change.