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What Kind of Whales Are in Alaska?

There are 10 species of whales that inhabit Alaska, many of which are endangered and are classified under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Whales are among the largest animals on the planet. They breathe air, are warm-blooded, breast-feed their young and give live birth, as opposed to laying eggs like most sea creatures.

Beaked
- The beaked whales, also known as the North Pacific bottlenose whales, are hard to find because their blow isn't very noticeable when they come up for air. They also dive for as long as 20 minutes.
Beluga
- As many as 1,300 beluga whales inhabited Cook Inlet in Alaska. In the 1990s that number plummeted to about half. From 1999 to 2009, beluga populations have been monitored between 278 and 435 throughout the 10-year period.
Bowhead
- The bowhead whale is Alaska's official marine mammal and has held that honor since 1983. The whale is coming back after it almost reached extinction because of over hunting.
Fin
- Next to the blue whale, which don't live in Alaska, the fin whale is the largest whale on the planet. They can grow up to 75 feet long and weigh 40 to 80 tons. In the Southern Hemisphere they can grow to 85 feet long.
Humpback
- The Alaskan humpback whale swims in waters along the state's southern coast. An unusual quality about these whales is the distinct color and shape of each one's tail, which scientists use to tell where the whale has been.
Gray
- Gray whales get their name from the color of their body. These whales are famous for defending their calves and themselves against whalers, earning themselves the title as "devilfish."
Orca
- Orcas, also known as killer whales, are actually members of the dolphin family but are classified by many as whales because of their large size. They are the largest type of dolphin, growing up to 30 feet long.
Minke
- Minke whales are stocky and have a thick layer of blubber that can reach several inches. The whale swims fast, as much as 21 miles per hour and they spend little time on the surface of the water.
Northern Pacific Right
- Adult Northern Pacific right whales can reach up to 55 feet long and weigh as much as 70 tons. At birth, the whale is already 13 to 15 feet long. The stocky whale is plump for its length.
Sperm
- Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales on the planet. Females grow up to 36 feet long and weigh as much as 15 tons. Males are much larger and reach 52 feet and up to 45 tons.

Animals & Science