2024 The Beluga Whale

The English name "Beluga " comes from the Russian word belukha, which means "white ". Belugas are also known as white whales . The white coloration helps protect Belugas from predators camouflaging them among the icebergs and ice floes of the northern seas. However, at birth Beluga calves are generally dark gray. They gradually lighten with age and upon reaching maturity 2024 ( about 8 or 9 years for males), attain the white coloration characteristic of adult Belugas. Typically, Beluga Whales inhabit shallow coastal waters of the icy Artic ocean and its adjoining seas, but during the summer many populations may also congregate in warmer freshwater estuaries and river basins.