Seals often adopt this characteristic pose when hauled out of the water. It’s almost as if they’re trying to have as little contact as possible with the rock or sand they’re resting on.
In fact, they’re probably trying to minimise contact with the falling or rising tide. While it might seem strange for these seagoing animals to be so water-shy, at certain times of year they have a pressing need to stay dry.
Seals’ bodies are exquisitely adapted for their marine environment – one such adaptation is how they restrict the blood supply to their skin when in the water. While this is a great way to preserve heat, it’s not so great for growing fur.
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Fur growth requires a high skin temperature, which in turn requires the animals to dry off, since water conducts heat away from their bodies 25 times more effectively than air.
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Main image: Harbour seal. Getty
