What orcas wearing salmon hats can teach us about human behaviour
When we think about human behaviour, we often like to believe we are unique and it’s something that sets us apart from other animals. We are intelligent, self-aware, and innovative. But sometimes, to better understand our own behaviours — especially the quirks and challenges — we need to recognise that we’re not just human; we’re mammals. And sometimes looking at other intelligent mammals, like orcas, can teach us a lot about ourselves.
Recently, researchers observed a curious behaviour among orcas: wearing dead salmon as hats. I know, right?! This isn’t the first time it’s been documented. Back in 1987, orcas in the northeast Pacific were spotted balancing salmon on their heads in what scientists described as a “fad.” It spread through pods quickly, lasted several weeks, and then disappeared. Now, decades later, it’s back.
At first glance, this behaviour might seem silly or random — just playful orcas doing playful things. But behavioural scientists and marine biologists see it differently. This phenomenon tells a story of social learning, cultural transmission, and group dynamics — concepts that are as relevant to humans as they are to orcas.
The mammalian roots of behaviour
One of the most intriguing aspects of the “salmon hat” phenomenon is that it serves no practical purpose. It’s not about survival, hunting, or reproduction. It’s just… fun. And isn’t that incredibly relatable? Humans too engage in many behaviours with no clear practical benefit, from viral TikTok dances, men dancing with their pants around their ankles when ‘Eagle Rock’ plays, or collecting rare Pokémon cards. These trends, much like the orcas’ salmon hats, spread socially, thrive for a while, and then fade as something new takes their place.
This behaviour highlights something fundamental: many of the patterns we see in humans aren’t unique to us. Mammals are inherently social creatures. Our behaviours — whether playful or deeply rooted in social hierarchies — are shaped by our need to connect, belong, and learn from one another.
So, why do fads happen?
In both orcas and humans, fads are a kind of social glue. They create shared experiences that strengthen bonds within a group. When an orca puts a salmon on its head, others see it and mimic it. Similarly, when one person starts a new dance challenge, their peers join in, creating a ripple effect.
Behavioural science helps explain how these trends emerge and spread. Social proof and our tendency to follow others plays a huge role. If we see others engaging in a behaviour, we perceive it as valuable or fun, and we want to join in. This is particularly true in tight-knit communities, where group identity is strong and behaviours spread quickly. For orcas, these communities are pods. For humans, it might be peer groups, workplaces, or even online communities.
What orcas can teach us about solving social challenges
Understanding these shared behavioural patterns isn’t just fascinating; it’s also practical. As humans, we face a wide array of social challenges, from climate change to inequality, and solving these issues requires large-scale behavioural change. Recognising our mammalian instincts can help us design better interventions.
For example, consider the concept of play. Just as orcas experiment with salmon hats, humans are driven by curiosity, exploration, and fun. When we make sustainable behaviours enjoyable — turning recycling into a competition or energy saving into a reward system — we tap into that same mammalian love of play and social learning. Similarly, by understanding the role of social proof, we can design interventions that leverage existing group dynamics. Campaigns that show “people like you” making positive changes — whether it’s donating blood, quitting smoking, or reducing food waste — can be far more effective than abstract messaging.
Behavioural science teaches us that changing behaviour isn’t just about logic or incentives — it’s about understanding the social and emotional drivers that make us tick. By recognising that we’re not so different from other mammals, we can create solutions that resonate on a deeply human level.
So, the next time you see a playful trend sweeping through your community, remember the orcas and their salmon hats. They’re not just a reminder of the wonders of the natural world — they’re a mirror reflecting our own shared, mammalian story. And in that reflection, we can find the keys to solving some of our biggest challenges.