Here's why:
* Cold Tolerance: While dolphins are highly adaptable mammals, they are not built for the extreme cold of the Arctic. They lack the thick blubber layers and specialized adaptations found in Arctic animals like seals or polar bears.
* Food Availability: Dolphins primarily feed on fish and squid, which are less abundant in the frigid Arctic waters.
* Seasonal Migration: Many dolphin species are known to migrate to warmer waters during the colder months to find food and favorable breeding conditions.
There are a few exceptions:
* Beluga Whales: Beluga whales are often referred to as "sea canaries" because they are found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They are well-adapted to cold water with a thick blubber layer and a specialized respiratory system. However, they are not considered dolphins, but rather a type of toothed whale.
While there might be occasional instances of dolphins venturing into colder waters, they generally avoid the Arctic for extended periods.