Narwhals: The Unicorns of the sea

Did you know narwhals are known as the 'unicorns of the sea'? Their iconic tusk is actually a tooth that can grow up to 10 feet long! Narwhals are amazing divers, reaching depths of nearly 5,000 feet and holding their breath for up to 25 minutes while hunting for fish and squid. These Arctic dwellers thrive in the icy waters of Canada, Greenland, and Russia, often traveling in pods of 20 or more. They're social creatures, using complex vocalizations like clicks and whistles to communicate and navigate. The question of why these Narwhals have such large unicorn like tusks is still up for debate. A Narwhal’s tusks are sensitive it may help them to detect change in the water like temperature and pressure. Another reason the size of a male Narwhal’s tusk may be a visual indicator that female use to select mates. Ana Narwhals may use their tusks to break through ice or break up channels in the ice. With a lifespan of up to 50 years, narwhals truly are one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures.