I know the conventional wisdom is that orcas are not dangerous to humans but I’m not convinced. You’d never get me on one of those kayak tours that go into orca pods. I remember reading that the Inuit won’t kayak near orca. Maybe they aren’t hunting humans and just mistake kayaks for a seal but an exploratory bite from an orca is probably fatal. Orca are the apex predator and when we’re in their environment, we’re potential food.
I’ve never thought they were dangerous. I grew up in southeast Alaska and as a 13 year old would often canoe on the ocean out of Kethikan where Orcas were pretty common. Then when I was in my 30’s I solo circumnavigated the San Juan and Gulf Islands in Washington in a kayak. One morning I got out at daybreak, timing it to ride with the tidal currents. I was totally alone crossing from the southern tip of San Juan Island to Victoria when a pod of Orcas came by, did a large circle around me, then kept me company for about 45 minutes as I made the crossing before the went on their way. I appreciated the company.
I’ve always thought that as mammals, they are smart enough to know what is their food. It’s sharks that bite first and then decide whether it’s food.
When we are in their environment. we are the slowest Potential food in the area.