Science Friday How Narwhals Use Their Tusks To Hunt And Play | This Week's ‘Blood Moon’ Lunar Eclipse
Mar 12, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Gregory O’Corry-Crowe, a research professor specializing in narwhals, shares fascinating insights about these elusive Arctic whales. He discusses how recent drone studies reveal the remarkable ways narwhals use their lengthy tusks for hunting and play. The conversation also touches on the challenges these creatures face due to climate change. Additionally, astronomer Dean Regas adds excitement by detailing the upcoming total lunar eclipse, providing tips to witness this breathtaking celestial event.
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Narwhal Mystery
- Narwhals are mysterious Arctic whales with long tusks, resembling mythical creatures.
- They live in remote Arctic regions, making them difficult to study.
Tusk Use
- Narwhal tusks, primarily found in males, are thought to be secondary sexual characteristics for mating.
- New research reveals they use tusks to hunt, manipulating and stunning fish like surgical instruments.
Playful Narwhals
- Narwhals use their tusks to stun Arctic char, sometimes appearing to play with the fish rather than hunt.
- This playful interaction, like a cat with a mouse, is the first documented instance of narwhal play.