Distribution 



Belugas have been reported from the Arctic Circle south 

 as far as eastern Connecticut, typically in estuarine habitats, 

 though they do range into oceanic regions. They are most 

 abundant from the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence 

 northward. They remain near the Arctic Circle and in Hudson 

 Bay to northern Greenland during winter, undertaking 

 migrations to the south in autumn, straggling to the Maritime 

 Provinces and as far as Connecticut. Belugas are regularly 

 seen in the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers throughout 

 late spring and summer. Return migrations to the north take 

 place in spring. 



A small population in the estuary of St. Lawrence is 

 resident throughout the year. 



Stranded Specimens 



Stranded belugas are unlikely to be confused with any 

 other species of cetaceans. The all-white coloration, the 

 robust body shape with a rather small head and a distinct 

 neck region, and the presence of 8-11 teeth in each of the 

 upper jaws and 8-9 in each of the lower jaws permit positive 

 identification. 



Figure 111. — Ventral view of a beluga harpooned in the northeastern Canadian Esldmo Fishery. Note the very narrow tail, just in front of the flukes, and 

 the robust form of the species. Belugas have B-9 teeth in each of the lower jaws, and 8-11 in each of the upper jaws. (Photo by P. F. Brodie.) 



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