Narwhal Facts for Kids

Narwhals are whales that live in icy Arctic seas. Most males have a long, twisty tusk. People sometimes call them unicorns of the sea.

A narwhal's tusk is a tooth that grows out through its upper lip in a spiral. Most tusks belong to males, though some females grow one too. Narwhals live in pods, and in winter they spend their time under thick sea ice, coming up to breathe at cracks.

Scientists think the tusk is full of nerves and may help a narwhal sense changes in the water, such as how salty it is. Narwhals dive deep into the dark Arctic seas to find fish and squid, and they use clicks and whistles to find their way and talk to each other. They stay in the Arctic all year, so they are very sensitive to changes in the sea ice and to the noise of ships. Scientists tag narwhals to learn where they go, which helps people protect them.