Bering Sea Beaked Whale
Mesoplodon stejnegeri
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedMammalia · Cetacea · Hyperoodontidae
About
Stejneger's beaked whale, also known as the Bering Sea beaked whale or the saber-toothed whale, is a relatively unknown member of the genus Mesoplodon inhabiting the North Pacific Ocean. Leonhard Hess Stejneger collected the type specimen on Bering Island in 1883, from which Frederick W. True provided the species' description in 1885. In 1904, the first complete skull was collected, which confirmed the species' validity. Limited data exists regarding the global population of Stejneger's beaked whales, primarily due to the infrequency of sightings at sea. In general, beaked whales are elusive and wary, and the species within this family do not have prominent physical traits in comparison to other beaked whales. This makes it challenging to identify them individually.
Fun Fact
m (18 ft) for females, and they can weigh up to 3,527 pounds.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Inhabiting the North Pacific Ocean.
Diet
Feed on deep-water squid and other cephalopods and fish.
Lifespan
35 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Hunting and Collection
- Climate Change