The Amazing Bearded Seal: A Friendly Guide

Have you ever wondered about the adorable, whiskered creatures that call the Arctic and sub-Arctic waters home? We’re talking about the bearded seal! These charming marine mammals are fascinating animals with unique adaptations and an important role in their ecosystem. This article will give you a clear and easy-to-understand overview of everything you need to know about bearded seals.

What Exactly Is a Bearded Seal?

The bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) is a type of earless seal, also known as a “true seal.” True seals lack external ear flaps. They get their name from their prominent, thick whiskers, which resemble a beard. These whiskers are highly sensitive and help them find food in murky waters.

Distinguishing Features: Size and Appearance

Bearded seals are relatively large seals. Adults typically weigh between 440 and 770 pounds (200-350 kg) and can measure 7 to 8 feet (2.1-2.4 meters) in length. They have a stocky build and a small head relative to their body size. Their fur is generally gray or brownish-gray, often with lighter-colored patches on their back and sides. Pups are born with a fluffy, silvery-gray coat called lanugo, which they shed after a few weeks.

• Size: Large, 440-770 pounds, 7-8 feet long
• Color: Gray or brownish-gray
• Whiskers: Long, prominent, and sensitive

Where Do Bearded Seals Live?

Bearded seals are circumpolar, meaning they’re found throughout the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the world. Their habitat ranges from the Arctic Ocean down to the northern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You can find them in the waters around:

• Alaska
• Canada
• Greenland
• Russia
• Norway

They prefer shallow, ice-covered waters with access to open water areas. These open areas are vital for breathing and haul-out (coming onto land or ice). They rely on these environments for resting, molting (shedding their fur), and giving birth.

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What Do Bearded Seals Eat?

Bearded seals are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll eat a variety of marine animals. Their diet primarily consists of benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrates and fish. They use their sensitive whiskers to detect prey hiding in the sediment.

A Varied Diet: From Clams to Cod

Here’s a closer look at what bearded seals typically eat:

• Clams and other Bivalves: These are a staple food, particularly in shallow waters.
• Shrimp and Crabs: They’re a good source of protein.
• Fish: Including Arctic cod, sculpins, and flatfish.
• Other Invertebrates: Such as worms and snails.

They typically forage at depths of up to 300 feet (90 meters) but can dive much deeper when necessary. They can hold their breath for up to 25 minutes!

Bearded Seal Behavior and Social Life

Bearded seals are generally solitary animals, especially outside of the breeding season. They are often seen alone or in small groups. They’re known for being relatively quiet and less vocal than some other seal species.

Vocalizations: The Beautiful Trill

During the breeding season, male bearded seals become more vocal, producing a distinctive, underwater “trill.” This long, complex vocalization is believed to be used to attract females and establish territories. These trills can travel long distances underwater.

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Hauling Out: Resting on Ice and Land

Bearded seals regularly haul out onto ice floes, beaches, and rocky shores to rest and molt. Molting is an energy-intensive process, and they need to spend time out of the water to conserve heat during this period. They are particularly fond of small ice floes that allow them easy access to the water.

Bearded Seal Reproduction and Life Cycle

Bearded seals typically breed in the spring, usually between April and May. The pups are born on ice floes, and they are precocial, meaning they are relatively well-developed at birth.

Pups: Born on the Ice

Newborn bearded seal pups weigh around 66 pounds (30 kg) and are about 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. They are born with a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm in the frigid Arctic waters. They nurse from their mothers for about three to four weeks, gaining weight rapidly during this time.

Maturity and Lifespan

Bearded seals reach sexual maturity at around 5 to 7 years of age. They can live for up to 25 to 30 years in the wild.

Threats to Bearded Seals

Bearded seals face several threats, primarily related to climate change and human activities.

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Climate Change: Loss of Sea Ice

The most significant threat to bearded seals is the loss of sea ice due to climate change. They rely on sea ice for breeding, molting, and resting. As the Arctic warms and sea ice melts, their habitat is shrinking, and they face increased competition for limited resources. Less ice also means pups are more vulnerable to storms and predators.

Other Threats: Human Activities

Other threats to bearded seals include:

• Hunting: Bearded seals are hunted by indigenous communities for subsistence purposes in some areas. While this is often sustainable, unsustainable hunting practices can impact local populations.
• Pollution: Oil spills, plastic pollution, and other contaminants can harm bearded seals and their prey.
• Entanglement in Fishing Gear: Bearded seals can become entangled in fishing nets, which can lead to injury or death.
• Disturbance: Increased shipping and industrial activities in the Arctic can disturb bearded seals and disrupt their behavior.

Bearded Seal Conservation Status

The conservation status of bearded seals varies depending on the specific population. In 2012, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed two distinct population segments (DPS) of bearded seals in the Bering Sea and Okhotsk as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to the projected loss of sea ice.

Conservation Efforts: Protecting Their Future

Conservation efforts are focused on mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing other threats to bearded seals. These efforts include:

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Addressing the root cause of climate change is crucial for protecting bearded seals and their habitat.
• Sustainable Hunting Practices: Promoting sustainable hunting practices in indigenous communities can help maintain healthy populations.
• Pollution Prevention and Cleanup: Reducing pollution in Arctic waters is essential for protecting bearded seals and their prey.
• Marine Protected Areas: Establishing marine protected areas can help safeguard critical habitat for bearded seals.

Conclusion: Appreciating the Bearded Seal

The bearded seal is a remarkable animal that plays an important role in the Arctic ecosystem. By understanding their biology, behavior, and the threats they face, we can work towards ensuring their survival for generations to come. Supporting conservation efforts and raising awareness about the impacts of climate change are crucial steps in protecting these wonderful creatures.