Social Behavior

Narwhals usually travel in groups of three or four, although up to twenty whales may gather in close proximity. Smaller pods will, at times, travel as part of a larger, diffuse group numbering anywhere up to one thousand animals.

Pods may or may not be organized according to age or gender, but observers have also noted mixed groups. During migration, pods seem to be separated according to gender; males leave first, followed by females and calves.

The social function of the male's tusk remains unclear. Some speculate that the male's tusk is used in fighting or other aggressive displays. Others believe that the horn's purpose is more benign, perhaps being used as a means to break ice, forage along the ocean floor, or defend pods against sharks.