Narwhal Video

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Incredible footage. I need to get a job with BBC. Some of the things you get to witness first hand....but it comes with a cost. Thanks for posting this.
 
Dolphins are such an incredible mammal. How did that situation end? Do you know if they are still trapped or were they eventually led out safely?
 
Dolphins are such an incredible mammal. How did that situation end? Do you know if they are still trapped or were they eventually led out safely?

I am not sure what happened, I was just going through the BBC nature section an found that clip
 
Very interesting. I am just curious and don't really know anything about the narwhal, but why do they have the "horn"? I saw that it said the males may use it to attract mates, but if is is found on both genders...?

Yes, I was the dorky kid in science class always asking why ;)
 
Very interesting. I am just curious and don't really know anything about the narwhal, but why do they have the "horn"? I saw that it said the males may use it to attract mates, but if is is found on both genders...?

Yes, I was the dorky kid in science class always asking why ;)

The narwhal is the unicorn of the sea, a pale-colored porpoise found in Arctic coastal waters and rivers. These legendary animals have two teeth. In males, the more prominent tooth grows into a sword-like, spiral tusk up to 8.75 feet (2.7 meters) long. The ivory tusk tooth grows right through the narwhal's upper lip. Scientists are not certain of the tusk's purpose, but some believe it is prominent in mating rituals, perhaps used to impress females or to battle rival suitors. Females sometimes grow a small tusk of their own, but it does not become as prominent as the male's.

Narwhals are related to bottlenose dolphins, belugas, harbor porpoises, and orcas. Like some other porpoises, they travel in groups and feed on fish, shrimp, squid, and other aquatic fare. They are often sighted swimming in groups of 15 to 20, but gatherings of hundredsÍÐr even several thousandÍÏarwhals have been reported. Sometimes these groups become trapped by shifting pack ice and fall victim to Inuit hunters, polar bears, or walruses.

Inuit people hunt the narwhal for their long tusks and their skin, an important source of vitamin C in the traditional Arctic diet. Orcas also prey on narwhals in open waters.
 

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