Beardseals

Beardseals are large pinnipeds belonging to the family Phocidae, specifically the genus Erignathus. They are the only living species in their genus and are distinguished by their notably thick beards, composed of stiff guard hairs around their muzzle. These seals are found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, inhabiting shallow coastal waters and areas with ice floes.

Adult beardseals typically measure between 1.8 to 2.7 meters (6 to 9 feet) in length and can weigh from 200 to 450 kilograms (440 to 990 pounds). Their coloration is generally grayish-brown, though it can vary. They possess a robust body, a relatively small head, and flippers adapted for swimming and moving on ice.

Beardseals are primarily solitary animals, except during the breeding season. Their diet consists mainly of benthic organisms, including various species of clams, snails, and crustaceans, which they locate using their sensitive vibrissae (whiskers). They are also known to consume fish.

Reproduction occurs in the spring. Females typically give birth to a single pup on ice floes or beaches. Pups are born with a fluffy, white coat called lanugo and are nursed for about a month before they begin to forage independently. Beardseals are important components of the Arctic marine ecosystem, serving as prey for polar bears and Arctic foxes. Their population status is generally considered stable, although they are susceptible to changes in sea ice extent due to climate change.