The Baikal seal is almost always seen in Lake Baikal in Russia, the world’s deepest lake, though sometimes it is seen in rivers flowing into and out of the lake. It is only found in freshwater. During winter it uses breathing holes, when the lake is nearly completely covered with 80 to 90 cm thick ice.
Baikal seals live solitary lives, but several of them may gather and share access holes, also sometimes gathering where there is the most favorable habitat. In spring, the time they feed the most, from 200 to 500 individuals will gather, first the juveniles, then adult males, followed by new pups with their mothers. Large groups will also form on the shores of the lake in summer. During winter when the lake is frozen, the seals maintain breathing holes. When the ice starts to thaw, seals gather around larger holes to feed and hunt, mainly at twilight and during nighttime. Baikal seals are dispersed most widely during the winter months. Around the first day in April, they begin to congregate in order to feed near fresh openings where ice has melted. They move in May to the lake’s north end, staying there until they molt. In summer they move to the lake’s southeast corner and use the shore and rocks for hauling out. In autumn, they begin to move back to the areas where the ice is forming.
Picture Credit : Google
