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Narwhal sightings are rare. Scientists just saw them use their tusks in new ways

Narwhals are arctic whales that live in social groups called pods. CoreyFord/Getty Images hide caption

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CoreyFord/Getty Images

Short Wave

Narwhal sightings are rare. Scientists just saw them use their tusks in new ways

What are the narwhals up to? Generally, we don't really know! They are mysterious creatures. NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce talks about new, rare drone footage scientists captured of arctic narwhals. The video sparked new ideas for how they use their tusks.

Narwhal sightings are rare. Scientists just saw them use their tusks in new ways

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Stressed-Out Narwhals Don't Know Whether To Freeze Or Flee, Scientists Find

Researchers found that when narwhals like these were released from a net, the animals' heart rates dropped even as they were swimming rapidly. Flip Nicklin/ Minden Pictures/Getty Images hide caption

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Flip Nicklin/ Minden Pictures/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Stressed-Out Narwhals Don't Know Whether To Freeze Or Flee, Scientists Find

After being caught in a net, narwhals appear to get confused about what to do. Researchers say the whales' befuddlement could provide clues about how they will adapt to a changing Arctic.

Stressed-Out Narwhals Don't Know Whether To Freeze Or Flee, Scientists Find

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