Hooded Seal: Facts, Habitat, and Behavior

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Hooded Seal

Hooded seal, Cystophora cristata, is a large marine mammal of the North Atlantic. Adults measure roughly 1.8 to 2 meters in length, weighing about 250 to 360 kilograms, with males typically larger than females. The most striking feature is the male’s nasal balloon, an inflatable extension that grows from the nostrils toward the forehead during the breeding season. This balloon is used in elaborate displays to attract mates and to intimidate rivals, then deflates when the social interaction ends. The head carries a dark mask that gives the seal a hooded look when seen from above. The blue-gray coat seen in pups earns them the nickname blueback before molting into the darker tones of adults. Hooded seals are accomplished divers, regularly reaching depths well over a kilometer to chase fish, squid, and other prey in cold Arctic and subarctic waters. Lifespans in the wild typically run from 30 to 35 years, though longevity varies with prey availability, ice conditions, disease, and predation. Their distribution spans icy North Atlantic waters, from western Arctic regions near Russia and Greenland to Canadian coasts, with seasonal movements tied to ice cover and prey. Researchers study their biology to gauge ocean health and the effects of climate variability on high latitude predators. [NOAA Fisheries]

HABITAT? Hooded seals inhabit deep, frigid North Atlantic waters, favoring offshore zones where prey is abundant and sea ice provides essential habitat for resting and breeding. Their range stretches from Russian Arctic waters in the east across Greenland toward Canadian shores, with notable colonies along Greenland and western Labrador. They feed on schooling fish, squid, crustaceans, and other invertebrates, selecting hunting grounds near shelves and seamounts where prey concentrates. DID YOU KNOW?
– The hooded seal is known for bold aggression toward rivals, especially during breeding, using displays and vocalizations to deter intruders and attract mates. [NOAA Fisheries]
– During moments of excitement or threat, an adult male can inflate its nasal balloon to create a dramatic visual signal that communicates dominance. [NOAA Fisheries]
– Pups are born with a blue-gray coat that quickly sheds as they mature, resulting in the darker pelage typical of adults. [Canadian Wildlife Service]
– The usual life expectancy in the wild ranges from 30 to 35 years, illustrating their resilience in the harsh northern seas. [NOAA Fisheries]

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