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Bowhead Whale

Balaena mysticetus

USGov - NOAA

Also known as: Arctic Right Whale, Polar Whale, Greenland Right Whale

Fast Facts		Distribution in Yukon
Length	20 m
Weight	75-100 tonnes
Lifespan	60-100 years
Habitat
Predators	Humans, Orcas
Conservation Status
Yukon	S3 (Vulnerable)
Global	G3 (Vulnerable)
Yukon population estimate:  Not determined

Description

• Large robust body,
• Smooth back with no dorsal fin
• Large head with strongly bowed lower jaw
• Long baleen “teeth”

Behaviour

The Bowhead Whale is social and non–aggressive usually travelling alone or in groups of up to six.  It is a slow swimmer and can stay submerged for up to 40 minutes but is not thought to be a deep diver.  It is highly vocal and will sometimes display breeching, tail slapping, and spyhopping.

Diet

Crustaceans (e.g. plankton)

Sights and sounds

Mammals and People

• Because they are slow moving, Bowheads were easy targets for whalers.
• Blubber was rendered into oil for use in street lamps, lubricants, tanning and steel tempering until commercial whaling was ended during the 20th century.
• Baleen was used for hair brushes, typewriter springs, umbrella ribs, fishing rods, and corsets until whaling became unprofitable in the 20th century.
• Herschel Island became a whaling base until the early 1900’s. 
• They are protected from commercial whaling, with some subsistence harvest allowed for Inuit people. 

Viewing Opportunities

• Bowheads are usually seen far off Yukon’s north shore in late July through September. 

Links

• Species At Risk Info Sheet - Bowhead Whale