NPR

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.
Researchers found that when narwhals like these were released from a net, the animals' heart rates dropped even as they were swimming rapidly.

Narwhals — the unicorns of the sea — show a weird fear response after being entangled in nets. Scientists say this unusual reaction to human-induced stress might restrict blood flow to the brain and leave the whales addled.

The swim hard and dive deep to escape after being released from a net, but at the same in . It's almost like they are simultaneously trying to freeze and flee.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
Peloton Is Laying Off Workers And Replacing The CEO — Again
It's déjà vu for the luxury fitness company: Peloton is cutting about 400 more jobs, and its CEO is stepping down just two years after a major shakeup.
NPR7 min readAmerican Government
Trump Trial Coverage
The news media face a number of temptations while covering the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, including dwelling on salacious details, overdramatizing insignificant moments, and getting distracted by out-of-court behaviors that have
NPR1 min readAmerican Government
FTC Bars Former Pioneer CEO In Exxon Mobil Deal, Saying He Colluded With OPEC
Exxon Mobil's $60 billion deal to buy Pioneer Natural Resources received federal clearance, but former Pioneer CEO Scott Sheffield was barred from joining the new company's board of directors.

Related Books & Audiobooks