Wildlife researchers observed narwhals using their spiral tusks, captured via drone footage, to interact with fish. This has sparked debate among experts about the tusks' role; some believe they may assist in hunting, while others remain skeptical, suggesting the behavior could simply be play. The footage is pivotal for understanding little-known narwhal behavior and their unique tusks, which can reach lengths of up to ten feet. Disagreement among scientists highlights the complexity of marine mammal study, particularly for elusive species like the narwhal.
The footage provides clear evidence of narwhals chasing fish and using their tusks to interact directly with the fish and to influence the fish's behavior.
I don't think it's a necessary foraging adaptation, but I think it's a sort of secondary use for their tusks that maybe some whales have learned.
I think these are short term videos that show a few narwhals at the surface, and whether it's play behavior or pursuit of that fish to consume it, nobody knows.
Zoologist Greg O'Corry-Crowe has gotten to see this tusk up close, while working to tag narwhals with satellite trackers.
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