Great white sharks are often considered the ocean's apex predators, but recent research indicates that their dominance is challenged by killer whales, orcas. A 2025 study published in the PubMed Central database documented 82 interactions between these species across 12 countries, revealing that orcas can successfully hunt sharks. Interestingly, great white sharks tend to avoid areas where orcas are present, responding to perceived threats without direct confrontation. This behavior is not driven by fear but rather by a survival instinct, as studies have shown that marine species can alter their behaviors based on the sounds of potential predators. Furthermore, orcas exhibit distinct hunting strategies that vary by pod, suggesting that great whites may only avoid certain groups of orcas that specialize in hunting sharks. The findings highlight the complexity of predator-prey relationships in marine ecosystems and suggest that great white sharks retain their status as apex predators by demonstrating the ability to assess threats and adapt their behaviors accordingly.