Unveiling the Mystery: Drone Footage Reveals Narwhals’ Fascinating Tusk Behavior

The cold waters of the Arctic are home to an unusual whale that you might have heard of, the narwhal. Narwhals have a long, sharp tusk that juts out of their heads. Scientists recently used drones to spy on narwhals and were intrigued by how these whales seemed to use their tusks.

The tusk that sticks out of a narwhal’s head can be up to 10 feet long. Greg O’Corry-Crowe, a zoologist with Florida Atlantic University, has had the opportunity to see this tusk up close while working to tag narwhals with satellite trackers. He describes the tusk as beautiful, with a lovely spiral, scrolled pattern that is mesmerizing.

Historically, narwhal tusks were passed off as unicorn horns by seafarers, leading to speculation about their purpose. While there is a general consensus that the tusks play a role in competitive mating, recent drone footage has revealed new insights into how narwhals use their tusks.

During the summer research conducted by O’Corry-Crowe and his colleagues, the drones captured footage of narwhals socializing in the clear Arctic waters. Females were seen nursing calves, while males gathered in bachelor herds. Some of the males with tusks were observed using them in a playful manner, exploring and manipulating fish.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Frontiers In Marine Science, suggesting that narwhals could use their tusks to stun and possibly kill prey. Cortney Watt, a scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, believes that the tusks may assist males with foraging, although the exact purpose remains uncertain.

However, not all experts are convinced by the new findings. Kristin Laidre, a marine biologist with the University of Washington, remains skeptical and emphasizes the need for more comprehensive underwater observations of narwhal behavior. She highlights the challenges of studying these elusive creatures, particularly during the long, dark Arctic winter when narwhals retreat far offshore beneath the sea ice.

Overall, the drone footage has provided valuable insights into the behavior of narwhals and their use of their iconic tusks. While questions remain about the exact purpose of these tusks, further research and observation may shed light on this mysterious aspect of narwhal biology.