Narwhals
Fun Facts
Fun Facts
Why is the narwhal called the unicorn of the sea? What is that tusk really used for? And other fun facts!
What is a narwhal tusk?
The narwhal tusk- most commonly found on males- is actually a enlarged tooth with sensory capability and up to 10 million nerve endings inside. Some narwhals have up to two tusks, while others have none. The spiraled tusk just from the head and can grow as long as 10 feet.
Where do narwhals live?
Unlike some whale species that migrate, narwhals spend their lives in the arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway and Russia. Most narwhals winter for up to five months under sea ice in the Baffin Bay-Davis Strait area.
What threats do narwhals face?
Oil and gas development and climate change pose threats to narwhals. Increased development means more shipping vessels, creating more opportunities for collisions and more underwater noise that can interfere with communication among the whales.
What do narwhals eat?
Narwhals feed on Greenland halibut, Artic and polar cod, squid and shrimp. They do their chomping at the ice free floe edge and in the ice free summer waters.
How deep do narwhals dive?
Narwhals can dive about a mile deep in the ocean. Cracks n the sea ice allow them to pop up for air when they need it.
What colors are narwhals?
Narwhals change color as they age. Newborns are a blue-grey, juveniles are blue-black and adults are a molted grey. Old narwhals are nearly all white.