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Narwhals play and forage using their amazing tusks
- Narwhals in the Canadian High Arctic use their tusks for various activities such as foraging, exploration, and play, as shown in drone footage clips.
- Researchers have used drones to gain insights into narwhal behavior, revealing how they target prey like Arctic char and engage in social behaviors.
- Narwhals, known as unicorns of the sea, are primarily fish-eaters living in the frigid Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, and Russia.
- The narwhal tusk, a spiral-shaped tooth, grows continuously throughout their life and can reach lengths of up to 10 feet.
- The tusks, possessing numerous nerves, also act as environmental sensors detecting water temperature and salinity.
- Drone footage captured by researchers revealed narwhals wielding their tusks with agility to investigate and target prey like Arctic char.
- Narwhals were observed using their tusks for play-like behavior, exploring objects like fish, and potentially exhibiting distinct personality traits.
- Scientists noted the collaborative and possibly competitive behavior of narwhals using their tusks to interact with fish, including attempts to block others' access to prey.
- Using drones to study narwhals offers a non-invasive method to understand their behavior and adaptability in response to environmental changes like climate change.
- By observing narwhals in their natural environment without disturbance, researchers can gather crucial data on their responses to shifts in ice patterns and prey availability.
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