description Pacific Bearded Seal Overview
The Pacific bearded seal is the Pacific subspecies of the bearded seal, Erignathus barbatus, a large true seal associated with Arctic and subarctic sea ice. It occurs in waters including the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas and is identified by its broad muzzle and conspicuous pale whiskers. Bearded seals feed mainly on bottom-dwelling animals such as mollusks and crustaceans and are important prey and subsistence resources in Arctic ecosystems.
help Pacific Bearded Seal FAQ
What is the Pacific bearded seal?
The Pacific bearded seal is the Pacific subspecies of the bearded seal, Erignathus barbatus. It is a large true seal associated with Arctic and subarctic sea ice.
Where does the Pacific bearded seal live?
It occurs in waters including the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. These regions provide sea ice platforms and shallow marine habitat for resting and feeding.
How can you identify a Pacific bearded seal?
It has a broad muzzle and conspicuous whiskers, or vibrissae, that give the bearded seal its common name. Like other true seals, it lacks external ear flaps.
Why is sea ice important to Pacific bearded seals?
Sea ice gives them a place to haul out, rest, and raise pups near their feeding grounds. Changes in Arctic ice conditions can therefore affect important parts of their life cycle.
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