Canada - February 28, 2025 Deep in the remote Arctic waters, narwhals are making waves. Researchers have captured stunning footage. Drones reveal these “unicorns of the sea” using their tusks in ways never seen before. The narwhal, known for its long, spiral tusk, is an Arctic mystery. That tusk can stretch up to 10 feet. It’s mostly males who have it. Myths link it to unicorns. Scientists thought it was for mating displays. Now, they’re rethinking everything. Teams from Florida Atlantic University and Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans worked together. They partnered with Inuit communities in Canada’s High Arctic. Drones caught narwhals using tusks to hunt Arctic char. The whales stunned fish with quick strikes. Some might even have killed their prey. The footage showed 17 unique behaviors. Narwhals explored. They played. They foraged with precision. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, offers fresh insights. Narwhals might be learning from each other. Playful tusk moves hint at personality differences. Birds like glaucous gulls tried stealing fish from them. It’s a wild Arctic showdown. Researchers saw competition between whales too. One blocked another from a fish. Some actions seemed social, not aggressive. Greg O’Corry-Crowe, a lead scientist, was amazed. He’s from FAU and a National Geographic Explorer. He said narwhals use tusks for more than just “tusking” displays. Cortney Watt, another researcher, agreed. She’s studied narwhals for over a decade. Watching them hunt and play was a thrill. Drones gave a rare bird’s-eye view. The Arctic is changing fast. Ice melts. Prey shifts. Narwhals are adapting. This research shows how. Social learning might help them keep up. Drones are key. They watch without disturbing. Scientists say it’s vital for understanding climate impacts. The narwhal’s tusk isn’t just a myth anymore. It’s a tool for survival. [Credit: O’Corry-Crowe, FAU/Watt, DFO]