oa116

OA116 Weddell Seal

Scientific Name: Leptonychotes weddelli

Fake Facts: 6

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 * [|__http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/weddell-seal/__]

Habitat and Appetite
Weddell Seals mostly live in Antarctica and most of their time is spent under the Antarctic Ice. The water contains most of their favorite foods including cod, silverfish, small crustaceans, octopuses, and other small underwater creatures like krill. After Weddell Seals are born, they do not migrate often, but they intend to move far after birth. In order to breathe, the seals  must go to the surface. In their free time, they enjoy munching on green leaves. Weddell Seals use air resistance to catch prey then the fish go crazy, jumping up to the surface and getting eaten.

Size and Weight
Weddell Seals range from 8 ft long to 12 ft long. Relative to a 6ft man, they look like the seal in the picture.



Predators
The Weddell Seal's main predators are orcas, killer whales, and leopard seals.When they know they're going to lose a battle, to commit suicide, they face the main underwater predators because they know they’re going to lose.

Fun Facts
Weddell Seals can dive up to 2,000 feet and stay under for up to 90 minutes.

A Weddell Seal's life span is about two years.

Weddell Seals are extremely unsocial and prefer to be alone.