> knowing what they are getting themselves into I've noticed a real hesitancy to ascribe such complex reasoning to cetaceans. But these are thoughtful animals

> knowing what they are getting themselves into I've noticed a real hesitancy to ascribe such complex reasoning to cetaceans. But these are thoughtful animals that in one instance led the creation of a complex and astonishingly cooperative co-hunting relationship with human whalers. They clearly understand humans are able to kill baleen whales even orcas can't handle (adult humpbacks, for example). It seems obvious that they also understand the potential consequences of competing with / preying upon a highly social alpha predator.