Science Friday

Footage Shows How Narwhals Use Tusks To Hunt And Play

October 21, 2025

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  • Narwhals use their long tusks not only for display or hunting (tracking, manipulating, or stunning prey like Arctic char) but also for play, marking the first documented example of this behavior. 
  • Drone footage provided researchers with a unique, non-invasive perspective, revealing that narwhals have complex, sophisticated societies and engage in social learning, potentially allowing behaviors to 'go viral' within the population. 
  • The narwhal tusk, which is a specialized tooth, may also function as an environmental probe, sensing changes in salinity and temperature in the Arctic waters. 

Segments

Introduction to Narwhal Tusk Research
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(00:00:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Narwhals use their tusks as surgical instruments to catch prey, not just for display or fighting.
  • Summary: The host introduces the topic of the episode from Science Friday, focusing on the science of real-life unicorns—narwhals. Dr. Greg O’Cory-Crow joins to discuss new findings about how narwhals utilize their tusks.
Drone Technology Reveals New Insights
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(00:02:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Drones provided a unique bird’s-eye view, allowing researchers to observe complex social interactions previously unseen.
  • Summary: Dr. O’Cory-Crow explains that observing narwhals in the wild is challenging, but the use of drones has provided unprecedented insight into their sophisticated societies and interactions.
Tusk Use: Hunting and Playing
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(00:04:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Narwhals use their tusks to stun or manipulate prey like Arctic char, and researchers documented the first example of narwhals playing with fish.
  • Summary: The discussion details how narwhals use their tusks, traditionally thought of as sexual characteristics or weapons, as precise instruments for hunting. They also observed instances of play behavior involving the fish.
Social Learning and Culture
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(00:05:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Observed interactions suggest social learning and instruction among narwhals, hinting at the basis of culture in these animals.
  • Summary: Researchers noted narwhals copying each other’s tusk behaviors, leading to a discussion on social learning, innovation, and the potential for culture in narwhals and belugas, and how tradition might affect adaptation to a changing Arctic.
Climate Change and Threats
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(00:07:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Indigenous partners highlight concerns about sea ice loss, shifting prey, and increased ocean noise from human activity as major threats to narwhals.
  • Summary: The conversation shifts to the impact of climate change and human activity on narwhals. The importance of partnering with Indigenous communities, who are the real experts, is emphasized in assessing these threats.
Tusk Structure and Function
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(00:08:31)
  • Key Takeaway: The 10-foot tusk is a specialized tooth that is highly sensitive, potentially acting as an environmental probe for salinity and temperature.
  • Summary: The physical characteristics of the tusk are discussed, noting its length, scrolled pattern, and composition as a tooth. The segment highlights its potential function as an environmental sensor, making it a ‘Swiss army knife’ tool.
Observational Science and Technology
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(00:10:34)
  • Key Takeaway: New technology like quiet drones allows researchers to step back and use traditional, non-disturbing observational science methods.
  • Summary: The guest addresses concerns about disturbing the animals with drones, explaining efforts were made to fly quietly and at altitude. This technology facilitates a return to ’notebook and pencil’ natural history by allowing passive observation.
Value of Collaborative Research
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(00:12:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Unlocking the secrets of narwhals requires team approaches that equally value scientific data and the knowledge held by Indigenous peoples.
  • Summary: Dr. O’Cory-Crow concludes by stressing that studying narwhals is a ‘holy grail’ pursuit, and success depends on collaborative teams that integrate scientific findings with the invaluable knowledge of Indigenous stakeholders.