Skip to main content
Global Animal Guide

Where Do Beluga Whales Live?

Quick answer

Beluga Whales are native to Asia and Europe and North America. Arctic and sub-Arctic waters of Russia, Canada, Alaska, and Greenland — estuaries like Churchill and St.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Arctic and sub-Arctic waters of Russia, Canada, Alaska, and Greenland — estuaries like Churchill and St. Lawrence River.

Continents and countries

Beluga Whales occur across Asia and Europe and North America. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Arctic and sub-Arctic seas, estuaries, and pack ice provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where beluga whales persist today.

FAQs

Where do beluga whales live in the wild?

Arctic and sub-Arctic waters of Russia, Canada, Alaska, and Greenland — estuaries like Churchill and St.

What do beluga whales eat?

They feed on carnivore — fish, crustaceans, worms, and cephalopods, varying by season and local habitat.

Are beluga whales endangered?

Beluga Whales are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

How big is a beluga whale?

Adults weigh about 1400 kg and reach roughly 4.5 m long.

Sources

← Back to Beluga Whale guide