FAQ

What does the beluga whale eat?

Can beluga whales communicate with each other?

Is the beluga whale endangered?

Answer

The beluga whale is an opportunistic feeder. It is known to prey on about 100 different kinds of primarily bottom-dwelling animals. It will also suction prey animals off the bottom with its thick lips. The beluga whale consumes octopus, squid, crabs, shrimp, clams, snails, sandworms and various fish, such as capelin, cod, herring, smelt and flounder.

Yes. The beluga whale is the most vocal of the toothed whales. At least 11 different vocals have been documented, including high-pitched whistles, squeals, clucks, mews, chirps, trills, and bell-like tones. Arctic fishermen say they can hear the beluga whale sounds coming from miles away and that they can feel the vibration of their sounds coming through the hulls of their fishing boats. This behavior has earned this whale the nickname “canary of the sea.”

There is an estimated North American population of 150,000 to 200,000 belugas. They are not considered endangered overall. However, there are some populations which are threatened by pollution.

Facts about Beluga Whales

• The beluga whale is also called the “white whale.” The word “beluga” is derived from a Russian word for white.
• Besides vocalizations, the beluga whale may communicate through facial expressions and physical contact.
• The beluga whale is extremely social, in that it lives, hunts and migrates in groups called pods.
• The beluga whale has the ability to swim backwards to maneuver through arctic ice.
• Beluga whales undergo a seasonal molt by rubbing up against hard objects like rocks to shed their outer layer of skin.