Harp Seal - Newfoundland and Labrador

The term “Newfoundland” had been used since the early 1500’s by explorers describing the newly found lands of the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Newfoundland became the 10th Canadian province in March of 1949. The name of the province was changed in December of 2001 to reflect the importance of the Labrador region.

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Pagophilus groenlandicus - The harp seal's habitat is spread across the Northern Atlantic ranging from the Cara and Barents Seas to the waters of Greenland and Newfoundland. Harp seals migrate in pursuit of their favorite food: cod, herring, and halibut. Except when heaving onto the pack ice to give birth or to seek temporary refuge when moulting, harp seals do not venture out of the water often. Adult males grow from 170 to 190 centimeters in length and reach an average weight of 135 kilos; females are smaller and lighter.

Walrus - Greenland

Greenland, lying mainly in the Arctic Circle, is the world’s largest island. It was first explored by Eric the Red in 985. He named it “Grønland” merely to attract potential settlers; the name had little to do with real environmental conditions. The Vikings used Greenland as a base for further westward exploration and expansion.

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Odebenus rosmarus - A male walrus is approximately 3.6 meters long and can weigh up to 2,000 kilos. The tusks of a mature male can grow to 1.2 meters; both sexes have tusks. The tusks are used for defense and digging into the ice to open or maintain breathing holes. They also serve as grappling hooks; the walrus will dig their tusks into the ice for support when hauling their massive bodies out of the water. A spread of heavy bristles sprouting from the upper lip serve as sensitive feelers when submerged and foraging for food.

Hooded Seal - Saint Pierre And Miquelon

France maintains several categories in defining its many territorial possessions. The islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon have the status of being an “overseas collectivity” territory. João Álvares Fagundes, a Portuguese explorer, landed on the islands in 1520, but they were claimed for France by Jacques Cartier in 1536.

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Cystophora cristata - The hooded seal’s name is derived from the large inflatable sac extending from the nostril to their forehead; only males have this feature. Sexually mature males also have the ability to blow a pinkish balloon out of their left nostril. The males use these displays as a means of intimidating rivals during courtship battles and to attract females. This odd feature is also used as a signaling device in defining status within a group for feeding privileges or basking rights and as a general indicator of the animal’s health.

Weddell Seal - Antarctica

The harsh weather conditions and the extreme isolation of Antarctica has been successful in warding off mass human encroachment and are also reasons leading many people to consider this continent as not having any significant life forms. The Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii, is one species finding more than enough resources in maintaining a permanent residence along the coastal waters. It can attain a length of 3 meters and weigh as much as 450 kilos. The seal is primarily a circumpolar dweller of the Antarctic continent, but has been found along the shores of the Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Chile, New Zealand, and Southern Australia. For a large mammal such as the Weddell seal to flourish, it must have a reliable food source to insure its survival. The supposed “barren” continent of Antarctica does have sufficient resources for the Weddell seal.