Tusks as Tools
Drone footage has documented narwhals using their long tusks to interact with Arctic char, showcasing behaviors like probing and manipulating fish, and even stunning or killing them.
This marks the first evidence of narwhals using their tusks in such ways, contributing to the understanding of their feeding strategies and interactions within the Arctic ecosystem.
Social and Playful Interactions
The study observed narwhals engaging in what appeared to be playful behavior with fish, as well as complex interactions with birds, including an attempt at kleptoparasitism with gulls.
Such behaviors suggest a level of social learning and personality differences among narwhals, indicating their tusks are not just for foraging but also play a role in social dynamics.