Migration

Like many arctic mammals, narwhals migrate throughout the year according to the advance and retreat of glacial ice. During the winter, the narwhal vacates most of its range, wintering in Baffin Bay, the northern Davis straight, and the mouth of the Hudson Straight. From March through May, most narwhals follow the receding pack ice up toward Greenland and Thule. In June and July, some continue on into Smith Sound, while most move south and west towards Jones and Lancaster sounds. In the autumn most retrace their spring and summer migration route.