Bowhead Whale — printable fact sheet

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Bowhead Whale

Balaena mysticetus

The Bowhead Whale is a massive baleen whale native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Distinguished by its enormous, bow-shaped head, which makes up about one-third of its body length, the Bowhead is uniquely adapted to life in icy waters. It possesses the thickest blubber of any…

Classification

Mammal

Family

Balaenidae

Habitat

Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas

Diet

Carnivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

100-200 years

Weight

75,000–100,000 kg (165,000–220,000 lbs)

Scientific name

Balaena mysticetus

Did you know?

Bowhead Whales are among the few mammals known to live over 200 years, with some confirmed individuals estimated at more than 211 years old.
Bowhead Whales can break through ice over half a meter thick with their heads. They have the largest mouth of any animal and can produce a diverse array of complex songs. Some individuals have been found with ancient harpoon tips in their bodies, indicating remarkable longevity.

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