Stunning Drone Footage Reveals Narwhals Using Their Tusks for Hunting, Exploration, and Play!

Recent drone videos have opened a fascinating window into the lives of narwhals, those charming “unicorns of the sea.” These Arctic whales, known for their long, spiral tusks, are more complex than we once thought.

For years, experts believed that narwhal tusks were mainly used for mating displays or fighting among males. However, new footage shows that these tusks serve a variety of purposes.

According to a report from Discover Magazine, researchers have documented narwhals using their tusks to hunt, explore, and even play. This challenges our previous understanding and suggests that narwhals are more adaptable and socially intricate than we realized.

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) have tusks that can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters). The recent drone footage from Creswell Bay in the Canadian High Arctic captured these whales exhibiting at least 17 different behaviors that highlight their unique tusk usage.

The study, led by researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, shows narwhals hunting Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) with surprising skill. In one instance, a narwhal chased a char, using its tusk to skillfully tap and guide the fish. Remarkably, a pair of younger narwhals joined the chase, indicating teamwork.

On another occasion, three younger male narwhals displayed a different hunting technique. They delivered rapid strikes to stun their prey, showcasing their hunting prowess.

Perhaps the most exciting discovery was evidence of play in narwhals. Researchers witnessed narwhals engaging with a fish without trying to eat it. This behavior, known as “exploratory-object play,” hints at their intelligence and social learning capabilities.

Play may not seem critical for survival, but it helps young narwhals develop hunting skills and build social bonds with others in their group.

The footage also revealed surprising interactions between narwhals and other Arctic species. In one case, glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) tried to steal fish from narwhals right after they stunned them. This kleptoparasitism illustrates the competitive nature of the Arctic ecosystem.

Additionally, researchers observed narwhals engaging in subtle social behaviors, blocking access to prey or communicating cooperatively instead of aggressively. These interactions paint a fuller picture of narwhal social life.

Climate change poses challenges for narwhals as Arctic waters warm and new species migrate north. Lead researcher Greg O’Corry-Crowe noted that drone technology allows scientists to study how narwhals adapt to changes in their environment, including shifts in ice and food availability.

Overall, the drone footage reveals that narwhal tusks are more multifunctional than previously thought. While evolution likely favored their growth for mating purposes, these tusks now appear crucial for hunting, social interactions, and even play, similar to the tusks of elephants and walruses.