The moment I laid eyes on beluga whales, I was blown away. Unlike the dark, menacing colour of sharks or the playful but neutral hue of dolphins, these majestic mammals were adorned with a silky white coat – a rare beauty for a creature of such calibre. It was fascinating to watch them glide effortlessly through the water, with innocence and friendliness that echoed that of dolphins.
When a fellow observer asked our guide if they were friendly, I wasn’t surprised to learn that beluga whales are known to be extremely affable towards humans. These sociable creatures tend to live in familial groups of around ten, although they happily interact with other belugas beyond their trusted circles. Their amiable nature is truly captivating.
Table of Contents
Are Beluga Whales Dangerous?
Beluga whales, being formidable and sizable creatures, possess the capacity for danger when provoked. However, their aggressive behaviour is primarily a response to self-preservation. Beluga whales do not actively pose a threat to humans unless they are antagonized. The act of belugas opening their mouths can indicate aggression.
Despite their carnivorous nature, beluga whales do not consider humans as prey, eliminating the risk of being viewed as a food source. The sole danger arises when these animals feel frightened, harassed, or endangered.
Although beluga whales exhibit a friendly disposition, it’s essential to recognize that they are still wild animals. Just like any other creature in the wild, caution should be exercised as they can be hazardous.
To ensure personal safety, the best approach is to refrain from disturbing or alarming the beluga. Maintaining a safe distance and refraining from any harm towards the animal completely eliminates the potential for harm.
Do Beluga Whales Attack Humans?
In general, beluga whales do not exhibit aggression towards humans. However, if they perceive harassment or threat, they may defensively respond with aggression. No documented cases of beluga whales attacking humans have been reported.
Nevertheless, people are discouraged from approaching beluga whales primarily to avoid causing fear or dependency on human interaction.
Ironically, humans pose more danger to beluga whales than the other way around. Human activities, such as habitat pollution and hunting, have adversely affected their well-being.
Beluga whales have gained a reputation for their friendly behaviour towards humans, earning them the nickname “The Canaries of the Sea.” They are highly vocal and engage in extensive communication, distinguishing them as the most expressive whale species.
Their amiable characteristics and curious demeanour often tempt people to approach them. However, caution should be exercised when interacting with these animals, as it can be difficult to determine their level of aggression.
As highly social creatures, beluga whales display intriguing social skills. They establish connections and interact with other animals for coordination, cooperation, and socializing, often likened to human-like relationships.
These creatures possess remarkable intelligence and communication abilities, which perplex scientists as to why they do not exhibit aggressive behaviour towards humans.
Are Beluga Whales Safe to Swim With?
Swimming alongside beluga whales is generally safe. Like most marine mammals, beluga whales possess a natural curiosity, and they may approach you out of fascination.
It is worth noting that beluga whales do not comprehend personal boundaries, which can startle some individuals when these animals come close, occasionally making physical contact.
If beluga whales make contact with you, remain calm and swim away cautiously to create some distance. These marine giants weigh an average of 1,400 kilograms.
Typically, swimming with beluga whales is conducted under the careful supervision of trainers and is offered as an experience in various marine theme parks.
Swimming with beluga whales in their natural habitat is also possible, but it requires authorization from licensed organizations.
While there is a chance of encountering beluga whales in the wild, it is advisable to swim away slowly if you are not accompanied by a trained professional.
Can You Touch a Beluga Whale?
In a controlled setting, it is technically possible for people to touch a beluga whale. However, such interactions should only occur under the guidance and supervision of trained professionals or guides, typically during organized tours.
There have been instances, such as in Norway, where a beluga whale was so accustomed to human presence that people could freely pet it. However, concerns were raised about the origin of the whale due to the presence of a collar.
While it is permissible to touch a beluga whale, it is important to exercise caution when petting its head. The melon, the soft, bulbous region on the forehead of a beluga whale, contains oil and wax.
Applying excessive pressure to the melon will not harm the beluga whale’s brain, as it is well-protected by the skull and located separately from the melon. Nonetheless, intentionally squishing the melon should be avoided.
FAQs on Beluga Whales
Within this segment, we will provide answers to commonly asked inquiries concerning beluga whales and their behavioural patterns.
Are Beluga Whales Smart?
Beluga whales are highly intelligent creatures of the sea. They possess brains that are twice the size of a human brain, indicating a high level of complexity in the cognitive and problem-solving areas.
However, it is important to note that intelligence in beluga whales should not be misconstrued as surpassing human intelligence. While their brains are larger, it does not imply greater overall intelligence when compared to humans.
Studies evaluating intelligence differ between beluga whales and humans, as they are distinct organisms. It would be unfair to directly compare them, taking into account factors such as size differences between the two species.
The remarkable intelligence of beluga whales is evident in their ability to communicate and engage in social interactions with other animals, even though they lack the capability to speak human languages.
Beluga whales exhibit a natural curiosity, but they also display a level of cunning behaviour that serves their own interests. This behaviour may be linked to the endangerment they face due to human activities.
In the past, many people held the misconception that beluga whales were unintelligent. In reality, these majestic creatures possess awareness and consciousness of their surroundings. Unfortunately, such misconceptions have led to harm inflicted upon them and their habitats.
Regrettably, the presence of maritime traffic has caused confusion and stress among beluga whales. The loud noises and disturbances can drive them to seek refuge by grounding themselves, attempting to escape the clamour and commotion.
Are Beluga Whales Playful?
Beluga whales are renowned for their playful nature in the marine realm. They engage in playful behaviours with their kin, other animals, and even humans. These playful antics include chasing each other, splashing water, engaging in physical contact, and utilizing various objects from the sea as impromptu toys.
Their inclination for playfulness often stems from their innate curiosity.
Beluga whales have a distinct behaviour of turning and nodding their heads. While observers may perceive this as a mere bobbing motion, it is crucial not to immediately interpret this friendly gesture.
A notable video capturing a beluga whale interacting with two children gained significant attention for its seemingly friendly encounter. However, the reality of the situation was quite different.
In the video, the beluga whale was displaying signs of aggression. Confined within a cramped tank, the animal responded defensively to the children poking and provoking it by positioning itself to deter their actions.
When beluga whales are subjected to unsafe captivity conditions, they are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviours.
Final Words
To summarize, beluga whales are naturally friendly and inquisitive marine creatures. However, their sociability is not constant, as they may display aggression when threatened or stressed, as a means to alleviate the source of distress.
Considering their large size, accidental harm can occur if individuals come too close to beluga whales, particularly when encountering them in the wild. Therefore, it is advised to maintain a safe distance and admire them from afar.
If you happen to encounter beluga whales while swimming in open waters, it is recommended not to touch them. Instead, appreciate their presence without any physical interaction.
If these curious animals approach you, refrain from pushing them away, as they do not pose a threat of harm.
Reference:
- https://whalesanctuaryproject.org/please-dont-interact-with-curious-whales/
- https://whalescientists.com/beluga-squishy-head
- https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-viewing-guidelines/protect-wild-dolphins-admire-them-distance
Jeevan Kodiyan
An animal enthusiast with an interest in zoology, studying the behavior and activities of animals in the wild habitat. I work on research projects related to species conservation and endangered species protection. I also leverage zoology to become an educator, educating others about the importance of protecting our natural environment and the beauty of animals in their natural habitats.
