Drone Footage Reveals Narwhals’ Surprising Tusk Play in the Arctic

In a pioneering study, researchers have leveraged drones to capture unprecedented footage of narwhals using their iconic tusks in surprising ways. Published in February 2025 in Frontiers in Marine Science and covered by The New York Times, this work reveals the whales chasing Arctic char, stunning prey, and engaging in what resembles play—all filmed from above in Canada‘s High Arctic. For drone professionals and enthusiasts, this showcases the power of UAVs in unlocking secrets of elusive species, blending drone technology with marine science.

Drones Unlock Narwhal Secrets in Creswell Bay

En research took place in Creswell Bay, Nunavut, in August 2022, led by Greg O’Corry-Crowe of Florida Atlantic University. Using a DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ V2.0 drone flown at altitudes of 65 feet (20 meters) or higher, the team recorded narwhals in shallow, clear waters under continuous daylight. With support from local Inuit communities, they targeted this known summer habitat, yielding some of the clearest narwhal footage to date.

Narwhals, with tusks up to 10 feet (3 meters) long, are notoriously hard to study. “They’re extremely shy and elusive,” says Kristin Laidre of the University of Washington, not involved in the study. Their deep dives and remote haunts thwart traditional methods, but drones offer a non-invasive solution, a boon for wildlife monitoring.

Tusk Techniques: From Hunting to Playtime

The footage unveiled varied tusk uses. In one observation, narwhals chased an Arctic char, nudging it gently with tusk tips or shafts, often slowing to keep it just ahead. Cortney Watt of Fisheries and Oceans Canada noted, “We were hesitant to use the word ‘play,’ but that’s really what it looked like”. Contrastingly, another sequence showed narwhals striking fish with rapid, forceful tusk blows—five hits in one case, twice with the tip and thrice with the shaft—stunning prey before eating it.

The study’s ethogram cataloged 17 behaviors, including prolonged pursuits (over 5 seconds) and quick taps (under 5 seconds). One narwhal hit a char 12 times with precision, flipping it briefly without lethal intent. Social dynamics emerged too—older narwhals guided younger ones, while competitive blocking suggested complex interactions.

Gulls Add Drama to the Hunt

Glaucous gulls complicated matters, diving to steal fish from narwhals in the first recorded kleptoparasitism with this species. In one instance, a gull disrupted a pursuit, letting the char escape. Successful narwhal catches often occurred below the surface, beyond the gulls’ reach, highlighting a tactical shift in hunting strategy.

Drone Technology’s Role in Discovery

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ V2.0, an older but very capable DJi drone, delivered high-resolution footage over 20-minute flights. It tracked narwhals’ agile turns—up to 360 degrees in under 3 seconds—enabled by lateral body rolls. This builds on prior UAV work, like 2016 footage of narwhals stunning Arctic cod, expanding prey insights to char. Priced at roughly $1,500 USD in 2022, it’s a cost-effective tool for such missions.

Market and Regulatory Implications

This study underscores drones’ rising role in marine research, part of a drone industry projected to reach $42 billion by 2025 (Statista). Arctic-ready UAVs need enhanced batteries and durability—areas for innovation. In Canada, Transport Canada mandates permits for drones over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) near Vida salvaje, and this study adhered to Fisheries and Oceans Canada rules (Permit A-22/23-002-NU). Streamlined Arctic regulations could boost future efforts.

Infrastructure and Future Prospects

Arctic fieldwork leans on logistics like Canada’s Polar Continental Shelf Program, with costs likely topping $50,000 USD, factoring in support from National Geographic and others. Permanent bases could cut expenses, though extreme conditions challenge feasibility. O’Corry-Crowe plans more UAV studies to explore climate-driven prey shifts, potentially pairing drones with underwater tech for deeper insights.

A New Lens on Narwhal Life

This drone-powered research reveals narwhals’ tusks as versatile tools—for hunting, teaching, and possibly play—while spotlighting UAVs’ transformative role in science and research. As the Arctic evolves, drones will track these shifts, merging technology with conservation.

Photo courtesy of New Scientist