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Vocalizing

Weddell seals are able to communicate through different mediums. Weddell seals on ice are able to hear the calls of Weddell seals in the water as long as noise level on land is low and they are in close proximity of one another. Male and female seals communicate through a variety of sounds, males specifically use “trills” to communicate sometimes. Sound waves can be transmitted either through the ice itself or from water to breathing holes.

Diet and Predation

Weddell seals are top predators in the Antarctic. Their diet is affected by the prey that is abundant during that time and specific area they are in. Weddell seals are opportunistic feeders that hunt in different parts of the water column depending on prey availability. Weddell seals hunt in both pelagic and benthic-demersal habitats.

Breeding

Females breed on ice near air holes that are protected by the male parent. Mother Weddell seals stay with their pups for about 2 weeks after they’re born before they go to sea to forage to provide food for the pups.