Almost exclusively seen in males, there are only scattered reports of females developing a tusk. Narwhals have no other visible teeth in their jaws. These theories are unlikely. If the tusk were damaged, it would lead possibly to severe infections and death for the narwhal. The tusk probably serves as a secondary sexual characteristic for males, indicating which males are older and more mature.
Narwhals travel farther north than perhaps any other whale species.
Narwhales are preyed upon by killer whales and Greenland sharks but their main enemy is man. Since some believe their tusk to possess almost magical healing and aphrodisiastic properties, they are still illegally hunted today. They are protected by both national and international laws. Busch Entertainment Corporation. All rights reserved.