Ungava seal

The Ungava seal (Phoca vitulina mellonae) is a special kind of seal that belongs to the Harbor seal. It lives only in a few freshwater lakes on the Ungava Peninsula in northern Quebec. This makes it one of the very rare examples of freshwater seals in the world.

In 2020, scientists thought there were fewer than 100 Ungava seals left. Because there are so few, the Ungava seal is considered endangered. This means it is in danger of disappearing forever unless special steps are taken to protect it.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature watches over animals that are in danger, and they have listed the Ungava seal as one that needs help to survive. Learning about these special animals helps us understand how important it is to protect nature and keep all creatures safe.

Evolution

Scientists believe Ungava seals may have come to their current lakes between 3000 and 8000 years ago. They probably used a special area called the Tyrrell sea before they got stuck in freshwater lakes when large glaciers called the Laurentide Ice Sheet moved away.

Diet

Ungava seals mostly eat lake trout and lake whitefish. These fish are easier for the seals to catch. Brook trout live in safer spots, so seals have a harder time reaching them sometimes.