Antarctic Fur seals are usually brown in coloration with a slightly more light brown or grey tone in newly molted juveniles and females. They are in the family of Otariidae or Eared Seals and hence have visible ears.
Fun Facts About Antarctic Fur Seals
1. Antarctic Fur Seals got their scientific name gazella from the German vessel SMS Gazelle which was the first to collect the Seal from Kerguelen Island.
2. Unlike some other species of Seals Antarctic Fur Seal have visible ears. It is the only Seal with visible ears that lives in the Antarctic.
3. The area that Antarctic Fur Seals live in is referred to as the “Antarctic Convergence” - a zone of water between the frigid waters of the true Antarctic and the more temperate waters to the north.
4. The population of Antarctic Fur Seals on South Georgia Island is the densest marine animal population on the planet.
5. Antarctic Fur Seals are an example of Seals that can walk on land, thanks to their ability to turn their rear flippers forward, turning them into useful “feet.”