The Bowhead Whale Survives Icy Waters and Killer Whale Attacks

The bowhead whale is a baleen whale, known for its massive head that makes up about one-third of its body length. Bowhead whales are large, reaching up to 60 feet (18.3 meters) in length and weighing as much as 120,000 pounds (54,431 kg).

The species is easily recognized by its arched upper jaw, which helps it break through thick sea ice up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) thick.

Bowhead whales have smooth, dark skin with white markings on their lower jaw and tail. They lack a dorsal fin, which helps them navigate under the ice.

Bowhead whales also boast the longest baleen plates of any whale species, which can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) and are used to filter tiny organisms from the water.

Bowhead whales are the ultimate Arctic socialites, often seen in groups (called pods) which can range from a few individuals to larger gatherings of up to 50 whales during migration or feeding.

Bowhead whales have a complex vocal repertoire and use songs to communicate, particularly during the breeding season.

These marine mammals are also known for their playful behaviors, such as breaching and tail-slapping, which may be a form of communication or just for fun. While generally solitary feeders, bowhead whales come together for important social and reproductive activities.

The life cycle of a bowhead whale begins when a female gives birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 13 to 14 months.

Calves are born in the spring, when sea ice is receding, and are nursed for up to a year. At birth, a calf is about 13 to 15 feet (4 to 4.8 meters) long and weighs around 2,000 pounds (907 kg).

Bowhead whales reach sexual maturity at around 20 years of age, but they continue to grow and may live for over two centuries. Known as the longest-lived marine mammals, they carry harpoon scars from historical commercial whaling, providing clues about their incredible longevity.

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are apex predators known to prey on bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), particularly juveniles and calves. These killer whale attacks typically occur in Arctic and subarctic waters, where bowhead whales are found.

Killer whales often employ cooperative hunting strategies, using their social intelligence and teamwork to isolate vulnerable individuals from the safety of a group. They may target the bowhead's flippers, flukes, and soft underbelly to inflict injuries and exhaust the prey.

Adult bowhead whales, with their massive size and thick blubber layer, are less commonly killed but may still be harassed or wounded in such encounters. Bowhead whales often seek refuge in shallow waters or among sea ice, areas less accessible to killer whales.

The bowhead whale is also sometimes called a polar whale because it's a true Arctic specialist, living in icy waters that most marine mammals cannot endure.

Found in the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas, including the Sea of Okhotsk, bowhead whales depend on the presence of sea ice for shelter and protection from predators like killer whales.

These whales are also known to migrate seasonally, traveling to the edge of the ice in search of food and returning to their breeding grounds when the ice begins to melt. The bowhead whale's ability to thrive in such extreme conditions makes it one of the most adaptable marine mammals on Earth.

There are a few different types of Balaena mysticetus divided into regional groups based on their Arctic habitats.

These bowhead whale populations include those found in the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort seas, the Sea of Okhotsk and the waters around Greenland. Each group has adapted to the specific conditions of its region.

Bowhead whales are closely related to right whales, sharing similar body shapes and feeding methods. However, the bowhead is one of few whale species that's adapted to Arctic conditions, making it distinct among baleen whales.

The bowhead whale is a filter feeder, relying on its baleen plates to strain tiny organisms like krill, copepods and other zooplankton from the water. Bowhead whales feed by swimming with their mouths open, capturing food as they move through the dense swarms of plankton found in Arctic waters.

Their diet is seasonal, with peak feeding occurring in the summer when Arctic waters are rich in plankton blooms. This feeding strategy helps them build up the thick blubber layer they need to survive the long, harsh winters.

Bowhead whales have been heavily impacted by commercial whaling, which dramatically reduced their populations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, they are protected under international agreements and laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and their numbers have been steadily recovering.

Bowhead whale distribution spans Arctic and subarctic waters, with distinct populations found in regions like the Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi Seas. The Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission plays a vital role in co-managing subsistence hunting practices with regulatory agencies to ensure sustainable practices that respect cultural traditions while conserving the species.

However, threats such as climate change, habitat loss and entanglement in fishing gear continue to pose risks. Conservation efforts focus on reducing human impacts, ensuring that these Arctic giants can thrive in the icy waters they call home.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then make sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.