Hooded Seal
Cystophora cristata
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Carnivora · Phocidae
About
The hooded seal or bladdernose seal is a large phocid found only in the central and western North Atlantic, ranging from Svalbard in the east to the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the west. The seals are typically silver-grey or white in color, with black spots that vary in size covering most of the body. Hooded seal pups are known as "blue-backs" because their coats are blue-grey on the back with whitish bellies. This coat is shed after 14 months of age when the pups molt. It is the only species in the genus Cystophora.
Fun Fact
Male hooded seals inflate a bright red nasal membrane that balloons out of one nostril like a giant red balloon — a display used to attract females and intimidate rival males.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Arctic and North Atlantic waters
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
25-30 years
Threats
- Oil and Gas Exploration
- Poaching
- Contaminant Accumulation