Overview

• A peer-reviewed study published June 11 in Oceans documents two wild orcas in Norway engaging in gentle, mouth-to-mouth contact lasting nearly two minutes.
• The prolonged tongue-nibbling interaction mirrors behavior seen in captivity but has never before been recorded in wild populations.
• Footage captured by snorkelers in Kvænangen fjords underscores the importance of citizen scientists and opportunistic observation in revealing rare marine behaviors.
• Professional divers and marine mammal trainers consulted for the study confirmed they had never witnessed the behavior during years of observing wild orcas.
• Scientists hypothesize the interaction serves social grooming or bonding functions and are urging enhanced underwater monitoring to understand its frequency and purpose.