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The predator, estimated to be around 15 feet long, was circling in the area.
Suddenly, the situation made much more sense.
Hauser realized that while she had been focused on the whale, a potentially dangerous shark had been moving through the water close to her position.
Even more remarkable was what another humpback whale appeared to be doing nearby.
According to observations from the encounter, a second whale repeatedly slapped the water with its tail. This behavior may have helped discourage the shark from approaching more closely.
Together, the whales seemed to be creating a protective barrier around the researcher.
For Hauser, the realization was astonishing.
Could the whale have been trying to protect her?
The possibility captured international attention.
Scientists have long documented humpback whales intervening when other animals are threatened. Researchers have observed humpbacks disrupting attacks on seals, sea lions, and even other whale species.
Some experts believe these interventions may stem from protective instincts that evolved to defend vulnerable humpback calves from predators such as killer whales.
However, interactions involving humans are far less understood.
Hauser has always been careful in describing the event.
While she believes the whale may have been protecting her, she also acknowledges an important scientific reality: there is no way to know with certainty what the whale intended.
Animals cannot explain their motivations.
Researchers must rely on observed behavior and available evidence.
This cautious approach is one reason the story continues to attract scientific interest.
Whether the whale consciously recognized the danger to a human swimmer or was responding to the shark for other reasons remains an open question.
What is not disputed is the sequence of events.