company of killer whales that we were at the mercy of those whales. That’s a good word for it. Indeed, in their encounters, “mercy” is the word I think most aptly describes the common response of orcas to humans. Unlike their counterparts among apex predators—say, grizzly bears or great white sharks—the encounters inevitably are benign and harmless. However, you can’t help but be acutely aware of the whales’ forbearance. They could easily bring you to grief, but they choose an intelligent path.
