Natural Predators:
* Orcas (Killer Whales): Orcas are the most significant predator of beluga whales, especially adults. They are powerful and skilled hunters, capable of taking down even large belugas.
* Polar Bears: While not as common a predator as orcas, polar bears can prey on beluga whales, especially calves and young individuals. They are particularly effective when belugas are stranded on ice or in shallow water.
* Sharks: Some shark species, such as Greenland sharks and polar sharks, are known to occasionally prey on beluga whales. These sharks are usually found in Arctic waters where beluga whales reside.
* Other Whales: Larger whales, like narwhals and bowhead whales, might occasionally compete with beluga whales for food, potentially leading to predation of younger or weaker belugas.
Additional Threats:
* Humans: While not directly predatory, humans pose a significant threat to beluga whales. Fishing gear entanglement, pollution, and climate change impacts can all contribute to their decline.
It's important to note that the specific predators and their prevalence vary depending on the geographic location of the beluga population. For example, orcas are a more significant threat in the western Arctic, while polar bears pose a greater risk in areas where ice is prevalent.