Beluga females mature by the age of 10 years. Breeding takes place outside of calving season (1) in spring or early summer. During that time the males and females form a group in the shallow water of arctic creeks and rivers. (2) Gestation lasts approximately 14-14.5 months. (3) The female usually gives birth to a single calf in late June to early August depending upon location. (4) When born, calves are about 1.2 - 1.5m long and weigh 34-45 kg. During the first few days of life, newborn belugas may engage in echelon swimming where the mother carries the young on her back. (5) The calves stay in the warmer water until they put on additional blubber from nursing. They are completely dependant on nursing for the first year of life. In the second year, nursing is supplemented by hunting and by the end of the second year the calves are weaned. Females bear one calf every 2-3 years. They may live 25 years or more.(6)
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