Amazing Freshwater Baikal Seal in Russia

Photo by: Yuri Geifman

Of the 33 existing Pinniped species that include that seals, sea lions and walruses, only one species lives exclusively in freshwater.  This amazing and unique animal is the Baikal Seal located in Lake Baikal in Southern Siberia.

At over 12,000 square miles in size, almost 400 miles long, and over 5,000 feet deep, the lake is like a mini ocean. Over 80,000 seals have made this lake their home.

photo by: Per Harald Olsen

At about 4 feet long and 150 pounds, these seals are roll-polly balls of fur and blubber.  During the summer they can be seen swimming around the lake and in the winter they maintain and dig breathing holes around 3 feet thick.

While these seals are threatened by poaching, the Russian Government is not restricting hunting, which is allowing the population to stay at around 80,000 animals.