Main Characteristics

Bearded Seals have a body length between 2.25 and 2.7 m (7.4 - 8.9 ft) and they weigh between 275 and 340 kgs (606 - 750 lbs). They have a large body and they are grey or brown in colour.

Their head is rounded and they have small, close set eyes. They have a large, wide muzzle and long, white whiskers, which is where they get their common name.

Habitat

Bearded Seals inhabit waters around Alaska and the Arctic Ocean.

Diet

Bearded Seals mainly feed upon fish, squid and clams.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 11 months, Bearded Seals give birth to a single pup. They are weaned by the time they reach a month old and they reach sexual maturity at 6 years of age.

Predators

Predators of Bearded Seals include polar bears and humans.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Bearded Seal are:

Erignathus barbatus barbatus
Erignathus barbatus nauticus

Interesting Facts

Bearded Seals are also known as:
Square Flipper Seal
Ugruk
Phoque Barbu

Similar Animals

Leopard Seal
Crabeater Seal
Ross Seal
Weddell Seal
Hooded Seal