Ugjuk • Bearded Seal
Mammal - Erignathus barbatus
Bearded Seals are one of the largest of the northern seal species, and their small heads make their bodies look even more rotund. Their long whiskers curl as they dry, contributing to their "bearded" appearance. They are usually found on and around pack ice and are capable of deep dives (almost 300 m) in search of food. Pups are known to dive even deeper, up to 450 m. By 12-18 days after birth, pups already weigh about 90 kg; they are weaned and then abandoned by their mothers. Bearded Seals are one of the largest of the northern seal species, and their small heads make their bodies look even more rotund. Their long whiskers curl as they dry, contributing to their "bearded" appearance. They are usually found on and around pack ice and are capable of deep dives (almost 300 m) in search of food. Pups are known to dive even deeper, up to 450 m. By 12-18 days after birth, pups already weigh about 90 kg; they are weaned and then abandoned by their mothers.
Main Photo Credit: Bearded Seal by Joel Heath. Used with Permission Second Photo Credit: Bearded Seal by Alice Cahill, 2018. https://www.flickr.com/photos/28392578@N03/30589640488. Licenced with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0.
