Scars on narwhal males suggest that they use their tusks to joust. Narwhals are hunted for their ivory tusks, blubber, and meat.

Where do narwhals live?

Narwhals spend their whole lives in Arctic waters, bordering Russia, North America, and Greenland.

How many narwhals are there?

Narwhals are not considered an endangered species but certain populations have been heavily hunted.

How can I identify a narwhal?

Male narwhals are easy to identify because of their long, ivory tusks. The tusks tend to be covered in algae except for the tip. Adult male and female narwhals are mottled and spotted with gray-green, black, and cream colors. Narwhals are born gray, darken in color and then, starting with the belly, whiten with age.

How well can a narwhal see or hear?

Narwhals likely possess excellent hearing and vision.

What do narwhals eat?

Narwhals create a sort of vacuum and suck up their food which includes squid, Greenland halibut, shrimp, Arctic cod, rockfish, flounder, and crab. Narwhals only have two vestigial teeth. The male narwhal tusk is thought to play no role in feeding because males and tuskless females consume the same diet.

How do narwhals have their young?

Female narwhals are old enough to reproduce after 5 years, males after 8 years. Most narwhal females conceive in mid-April. Calves are born in mid-July in the following year (after a 15 month gestation period). Female narwhals usually give birth every three years.

How long do narwhals live? How do they die?