Narwhals Observed Using Tusks for Foraging, Play, and Social Behaviors in Arctic Waters

Drone footage reveals new insights into narwhal tusk use, including stunning fish, playful interactions, and adaptive behaviors in a warming Arctic.

Researchers documented narwhals using their tusks to stun Arctic char, demonstrating their role in foraging and prey manipulation.
The study provided the first evidence of narwhals engaging in exploratory-object play, showcasing their behavioral complexity.
Drone footage captured 17 distinct narwhal behaviors, including social learning and potential personality differences among individuals.
Interactions between narwhals, fish, and birds revealed kleptoparasitism, where glaucous gulls attempted to steal food from the whales.
Scientists emphasize the importance of drone-based field studies to understand how narwhals adapt to environmental changes in the Arctic.