Watch This Rare Drone Footage of Narwhals Using Their Tusks to Play and Explore

The unicorns of the sea are rather elusive. Learn more about the drone footage that gave researchers a better look inside their lives and how they use their tusks for foraging and play.

By Monica Cull
Feb 28, 2025 10:30 PMFeb 28, 2025 10:35 PM
drone footage of three narwhals
(Image Credit: O’Corry-Crowe, FAU/Watt, DFO) The Arctic's iconic narwhal, renowned for its long, spiral tusk, is one of nature's most fascinating creatures. Yet, few have witnessed how these elusive animals use their tusks in the wild.

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With a singular, long, spiraled tusk, narwhals really are the unicorns of the sea. The tusk, which is actually an elongated tooth, is mainly found in males and can grow up to 10 feet long. Many researchers believe that narwhals use the tusks in mating displays, though due to limited field observation, there is still much to learn about narwhals. 

A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science used drones to monitor narwhals in the wild. With this footage, researchers may have a better understanding of this incredible arctic whale and what they use their tusks for. 

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