What threats do narwhals face?

Now that we've become acquainted with this arctic whale, you might be sad to know that, like many animals, it's under threat. Let's take a look at the culprits. Inuit hunters are allowed to hunt a certain number of narwhals a year, in accordance with their traditions and culture. read more

Narwhals are innocent victims of climate change. Like polar bears, narwhals are adversely affected by the melting and abnormal movement of arctic sea ice. There are natural patterns in the movement of sea ice. Climate change is interrupting the process, causing large pieces of sea ice to break apart and drift above areas narwhals inhabit. read more

Threats. Narwhals are mostly hunted by polar bears and orcas. Native Inuit people are also allowed to hunt this whale legally. In addition, the narwhal’s habitat is threatened by the effects of climate change and pollution. read more

Often, hunters shoot a narwhal only to have it sink dead to the ocean floor or escape wounded. Some countries have rules against the import and sale of items like narwhal ivory, but many more nations are happy to encourage the trade. Inuit hunters can make a pretty penny off a narwhal tusk -- in August 2007, about $125 per foot [source: Nicklen]. read more