It has been widely speculated as to how narwhals use their exceptionally long tusks. While many theories were thrown around, including that the tusks are used for echolocation, new evidence has surfaced showing that these tusks might be for hunting.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans recently shared drone footage of narwhals using their tusks to pursue a school of arctic cod. First, they track the fish using their 3 metre tusks, and then quickly jab at their prey to stun them, making them easier to consume.
“The Narwhal is an iconic and culturally-significant species in the North, and this newly documented feeding behaviour will open up new insights on how we best protect the species for future generations,” said Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Due to the narwhals’ remote habitat, this footage creates a rare insight into this elusive creature. Dubbed the “unicorn of the sea,” the narwhal just got a little less mysterious.
