Bearded Seal: The Arctic´s Best-Kept Secret

Let´s talk about one of the most fascinating and unique mammals of the far north: the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus).

Often eclipsed by the fame and majesty of polar bears and walruses, this species has unique characteristics that make it one of the most surprising creatures in the Arctic ecosystem.

Their Characteristic Long and Thick Whiskers

The feature that gives them their name is a highly sophisticated survival tool. Their whiskers (vibrissae) are extremely sensitive, and they use them to detect vibrations and find food (such as crabs, clams, and fish) on the dark and muddy Arctic seafloor.

A Face with Natural "Makeup"
Although their natural coat is a grayish-brown or brown colour, many bearded seals have a bright reddish or orange face and front flippers. This is not genetic pigmentation: it happens because, while foraging for food on the seafloor, iron minerals from the sediment stain their fur.

Born to Swim!

Unlike other seals whose pups are born with a white, fluffy coat that cannot get wet, bearded seals shed that coat inside the mother´s womb. At birth, they already have a waterproof coat and are able to swim and dive just a few hours after being born. Additionally, nursing milk is so rich in fat that pups gain about 3.3 kilos (7.3 lbs) of weight per day.

Going

Due to their diet based on foraging the seafloor, their teeth are small and wear down quickly. By the time they reach 9 or 10 years of age, they have practically no visible teeth left above the gum line.

An Extra Fact?
They are the largest true seals in the Arctic, reaching up to 2.7 meters (8.8 feet) in length and weighing over 400 kilos (880 lbs), with females generally being slightly larger than males.

Can I Find Bearded Seals on My Trip to the Arctic?

The answer is yes. The bearded seal has a circumpolar distribution in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. During Arctic expeditions—whether in the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Svalbard, or the Russian Arctic—they can be spotted relaxing on sea ice floes or floating vertically in the water (a behaviour known as bottling, where they only poke their snout out to breathe).