Overview

• A US-Canadian research team used drones to observe narwhals in their natural Arctic habitat, revealing new insights into their tusk usage.
• Narwhals were seen using their tusks to tap, stun, and manipulate fish, showcasing remarkable precision and speed.
• The tusks also appear to play a role in social interactions, including competitive displays between males and potential mating behaviors.
• Narwhal tusks, which are elongated upper canine teeth, can detect chemical changes in the water, adding to their functional versatility.
• Further studies are needed to understand the full range of narwhal behavior and how they are adapting to changing Arctic conditions.