Researchers have captured groundbreaking video evidence that narwhals, often dubbed the "unicorns of the sea" due to their distinctive tusks, engage in behaviors beyond hunting, including playful interactions with fish. This discovery sheds new light on the mysterious marine mammals, whose spiral tusks, primarily found in males and reaching up to 10 feet in length, have been a subject of speculation. Traditionally, these tusks were believed to serve primarily in mating competition. However, recent drone-assisted studies in the Canadian High Arctic have unveiled a more complex repertoire of behaviors, including 17 distinct actions related to prey interaction. The study, published in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal on February 27, details the narwhals' remarkable agility, precision, and speed in tracking moving targets with their tusks.

"The revelation that these animals are not merely hunting but also exploring, manipulating, and interacting with fish has been truly revolutionary," remarked Dr. Gregory O’Corry-Crowe, the lead author and a research professor at Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. The research team, striving to understand the adaptability of narwhals in the face of rapidly changing ocean conditions, such as warming temperatures and melting sea ice, documented these behaviors in Creswell Bay, off the eastern coast of Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada, during the of summer 2022.

The footage analyzed by the researchers revealed subtle nuances in narwhal behavior, including an instance where a narwhal repeatedly nudged a fish with its tusk, which is essentially a giant tooth, without any intention to consume it. The absence of aggression in some interactions suggested a cat-and-mouse dynamic, indicating play rather than hunting. "Play is crucial for developing behavioral skills that are vital for survival, and these observations remind us of the intricate and fascinating lives of these species," O’Corry-Crowe explained. The study also indicated that younger narwhals tend to mimic the behaviors of their elders, suggesting that social learning influences how they use their tusks.

Anna Moscrop, head of science at Whale and Dolphin Conservation, an international charity, highlighted the importance of drone technology in uncovering previously undocumented cetacean behaviors. She noted that the research team worked tirelessly, capitalizing on the 24-hour daylight during the summer to observe narwhals. O’Corry-Crowe emphasized the significance of collaboration with indigenous communities, whose partnership and knowledge were instrumental to the research's success.

Beyond tusk use, the study also uncovered significant behavioral changes, particularly in the dietary habits of narwhals. An unexpected predator-prey competition was observed, with Glaucous gulls, large gray-and-white seabirds of Arctic the, frequently attempting to steal fish from narwhals, significantly reducing their catch. While gulls are known to steal food from land animals, such instances of seabirds stealing from marine animals are rare, according to Moscrop.

In response to these challenges, narwhals may be diving deeper to hunt for larger or denser schools of fish,weighing the pros and cons between easier to capture prey and deeper hunting, O’Corry-Crowe suggested. Typically, narwhals feed on deep-sea creatures such as squid or halibut, but the researchers observed them hunting Arctic char closer to the surface, indicating a shift in their hunting behavior that raises concerns. "We are in a race against time to understand not only the impacts on narwhal life but also how they are adapting," O’Corry-Crowe said. He believes narwhals are likely adjusting their diet in response to environmental changes, such as rising ocean temperatures and increased human shipping activity.

"Narwhals are highly sensitive to the effects of climate change due to their close association with sea ice for food, navigation, and refuge," Moscrop said. "As oceans warm, the habitat range of the narwhal is changing and will be further restricted." The study's findings underscore the urgency of understanding and protecting these enigmatic creatures in the face of a rapidly changing Arctic environment.