Beluga Whale
The Beluga Whale is found in northerly waters which are partly ice-covered. The Beluga population has been greatly reduced by whaling in previous centuries. Although Belugas are no longer commercially hunted, their remaining population of 50,000 - 70,000 is continuing to drop because of water pollution.
A mature Beluga Whale’s very light body color makes it easy to recognize, although younger Belugas may be slightly darker. The Beluga’s small size (10 to 16 feet, or 3 to 5 meters long) and weight (0.4 to 1.5 tons. or 406 to 1,525 kilograms) make them easy prey for Polar Bears, especially when Belugas are trapped by ice. Many adult Belugas have scars on their backs, left by unsuccessful Polar Bear attacks.
Did you know that the Beluga Whale is the only whale that can smile? Other cetaceans cannot move the muscles around their face and mouth, but Belugas can, and often do when they are feeding or communicating with each other. This makes them look like the are smiling, frowning or pucking their lips to whistle.