Bearded seal
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The bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) or square flipper seal, is a medium-sized seal that is found in and near to the Arctic Ocean. These seals range in color from gray to yellow. Distinguishing features include square foreflippers and thick bristles on their muzzles.
The bearded seal is a primary food source for polar bears and for the Inuit of the arctic coast. The Inuktitut name for the seal is Ugyuk or Oogrook. The seals skin is used to cover a wooden frame boat (Umiak).
The body fat content of a bearded seal is 30-40%.
References
- Seal Specialist Group (1996). [Erignathus barbatus]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
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