Whales generally view humans, particularly when encountered in their natural environment like by divers, with indifference or sometimes curiosity, primarily because humans are often perceived as small and are not seen as a threat. Furthermore, it's crucial to remember that whales cannot devour humans because of their size, as noted in observations from May 5, 2023. This size disparity and lack of predatory intent towards humans fundamentally shape many whale-human interactions.
Understanding the Whale's Perspective
Based on observations and general whale behavior, the way a whale "views" a human isn't in the same complex cognitive or emotional sense that humans view each other. Instead, it's largely based on immediate perception, threat assessment, and curiosity.
Key Factors Influencing Whale Perception
Several factors influence how a whale might react to a human presence:
- Size Difference: As highlighted by the reference, divers are small relative to most whale species. This often leads to humans not being perceived as a threat or potential prey.
- Behavior: A human's behavior in the water (calm vs. erratic, quiet vs. noisy) can significantly impact a whale's response. Non-threatening, passive behavior is less likely to cause alarm.
- Species: Different whale species exhibit varying levels of natural curiosity or wariness. For example, humpback whales are often noted for their curiosity, while some other species may be more elusive.
- Individual Experience: Past positive or negative encounters with humans (e.g., research interactions vs. ship strikes or hunting) can influence an individual whale's disposition.
- Context: The environment (open ocean vs. confined bay), the presence of calves, and the whale's activity (feeding, mating, migrating) all play a role.
Common Whale-Human Interactions
While it's impossible to know exactly what a whale "thinks," their behavior offers insights into their perception. Interactions often fall into these categories:
- Indifference: The whale ignores the human presence and continues its activities. This is perhaps the most common "view."
- Curiosity: The whale may approach, circle, or observe humans closely. This indicates a lack of perceived threat and perhaps an interest in something novel.
- Avoidance: The whale actively swims away or maintains distance, suggesting caution or a desire to not interact.
- Aggression: Extremely rare and usually a reaction to feeling threatened, harassed, or injured (e.g., entanglement in fishing gear). This is not a typical "view" of humans but a defensive response.
The understanding that whales cannot devour humans because of their size is critical. Unlike smaller marine predators, the anatomy and feeding mechanisms of most large whales (filter feeders like baleen whales or hunters of large prey like orcas) do not lend themselves to consuming a human. This physical reality reinforces why humans are generally not seen as prey.
For further information on marine mammal behavior, you might consult resources from reputable organizations focused on ocean conservation and research (e.g., see Example Marine Biology Site).
In summary, based on available information and the critical insight that their size prevents them from devouring humans and that divers are often not perceived as threats, whales primarily view humans as non-threatening, small entities in their vast environment, leading to interactions ranging from indifference to curiosity or avoidance.
