Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Playful Orcas? For a number of years now Orcas have been ramming smaller boats, Often targeting the rudders, which are demolished. Some have even managed to overturn a boat or two! The question has always been as to why this occurs? Is it an action of revenge for climate change and the diminishing food supply, Or possibly the invasion of boats with their terribly disruptive motor sounds? After some study by marine biologists, a conclusion has been formed-- It appears to be young animals, which are merely being playful! Hitting these boats is all in a day's hunting technique And nothing more than roughing up their normal prey. Remember that cetaceans are intelligent and, like their fellow humans, Play is part of the way of gaining skills to be used in 'serious life'. (Orcas avoid jellyfish, so a successful remedy Is to paint jellyfish on the hull and rudder! Might it work? We'll see!) Frank Maurer 26 May 2024 0950 Hours.