Size & Appearance

Bowhead whales are well adapted for living in arctic and sub-arctic waters. They carry up to one and a half feet of blubber, which by itself can weigh approximately thirty tons, almost one third of their body weight. These whales are large, robust and in general less slick and streamlined than other species of whales. Bowheads can grow to an astonishing 60 feet (18.3 m) and over 120,000 pounds (54,000 kg). Their massive bow-shaped heads distinguish them from other whales.