Facts: The Bearded Seal

The bearded seal is the largest species of arctic seal. The seal gets its name from the long white whiskers on its face. A bearded seal's coat is typically unpatterned, gray to brown. The body has a small head and small, square foreflippers. Bearded seals inhabit circumpolar arctic and subarctic waters that are relatively shallow The seals are typically found solitary and may be seen resting on the ice floes or sleeping vertically in open water with their heads on the water surface. It is estimated that there are probably over 500,000 bearded seals worldwide. They grow to lengths of about 7 to 8 ft. Their whiskers are very sensitive and are used to find food on the ocean floor. The seals feed on a variety of invertebrates like shrimp, crabs, and clams, along with some fish like cod and sculpin. When foraging, they typically dive to depths of less than 325 ft. Dives typically last less than 10 minutes. The seals prefer to inhabit sea ice with natural openings, though they can make breathing holes in thin ice using their head or claws. Their seasonal distribution and movements are linked to seasonal changes in ice conditions. They generally move north in late spring and summer, as the ice melts, and then south in the fall, as the sea ice forms. Although, some are thought to stay in the same location year round. Because of their close association with sea ice, they are sensitive to changes in the environment that affect the annual timing and extent of sea ice formation and breakup. Bearded seal females reach sexual maturity at 5 to 6 years old and males mature at 6 to 7 years old. The sexes are not easily distinguished. Females give birth to a single pup while howled out on the pack ice. Females are capable of having one pup every spring, but this depends on food availability. Pup faces have white patches and white eyebrow spots. Pups are nursed on the ice. By the time the pups are a few days old, they spend half their time in the water. The pups transition to diving and foraging while still under maternal care. Pups are nursed for a few weeks. Mating takes place soon after females wean their pups. Bearded seals are very vocal. Males vocalize elaborate songs to establish territories or to attract females. Sea ice provides bearded seals and their young some protection from predators such as polar bears during nursing. Sea ice also provides bearded seals a haul-out platform for molting and resting. Their lifespan can exceed 25 years. Although polar bears are their main predator, animals like walruses, killer whales, and Greenland sharks also kill bearded seals. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!