When working up close with wildlife, there is always a small risk. However, when it comes to whales, they are usually docile creatures. As long as you give them their space and avoid their tails, you should be fine. Yet, this humpback whale charges at a scientist while she is swimming near it. Find out the surprising reason why.
Videos by Outdoors
Humpback Whale Charges At Scientist For Surprising Reason
Discover Wildlife shared that whale scientist Nan Hauser was swimming with humpback whales. Hauser was swimming with them during filming in the South Pacific. However, as she was swimming with them, one of the whales began to act strangely.
That humpback began to charge towards her. Naturally, when a humpback whale charges towards a scientist, they try to distance themselves. That is exactly what Hauser tried to do, yet she was unsuccessful. The whale continued to charge towards her, and it tucked her under its pectoral fin. Afterward, the whale even lifted her out of the water and placed her on its head.
Although the act initially seemed aggressive, Hauser now believes that the whale was not attacking her. Instead, she believes that the creature was protecting her.
What Was The Whale Protecting Her From?
The outlet shared that as Hauser was interacting with the whale, she noticed a large shape off in the distance. At first, the scientists assumed it was another whale. Later, as it got closer, she realized she was incorrect. Rather than another humpback whale, that hulking shape belonged to a massive tiger shark.
What made the encounter even more terrifying was that the scientist realized the huge tiger shark was swimming right towards her. Therefore, she now believes that the whale was saving her from the predator. After all, it is not every day that a humpback whale charges at a scientist.
Despite having lived through the encounter, Hauser doesn’t quite believe it herself. ” If someone told me the story, I wouldn’t believe them,” she admitted.
