Scientists are intrigued that this behavior occurred so far away from the Iberian orcas. One possible explanation is that the North Sea orca was a juvenile that simply got curious about the fishing line coming off the back of Rutten’s boat. However, the behavior could have spread from the Spain and Portugal subpopulation, perhaps transmitted by very mobile orcas.

I love this idea.

I’d be interested to know if this is for their entertainment. Orcas are very playful in a sick sort of way. They play toss with seals they catch, for instance. They could be doing this because they think it’s fun.