Belugas are extremely sociable mammals that live, hunt and migrate together in pods, ranging from a few individuals to hundreds of whales. Belugas live primarily in areas with Arctic sea ice, with about two-thirds of the world population (of approximately 136,000 whales) summering in Canadian waters. A few small populations are found farther south, relics from the last ice age, including the St. Lawrence Estuary belugas.

Relative to other whale species, belugas have long, distinct necks and unfused neck vertebrae, which contribute to their flexibility and diverse swimming movements. Their bulbous forehead, called a “melon,” is capable of changing shape, allowing them to make different facial expressions and make the communication and navigation-aiding chirps, clicks, whistles and squeals which give the beluga its other name, the “canary of the sea.” These calls are used to communicate with other belugas and to help them navigate and find food using echolocation.