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The Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) is a relatively large and abundant true seal with a circumpolar distribution surrounding Antarctica. The Weddell seal was discovered and named in the 1820s during expeditions led by British sealing captain James Weddell to the area of the Southern Ocean now known as the Weddell Sea. The life history of this species is well documented since it occupies fast ice environments close to the Antarctic continent and often adjacent to Antarctic bases. It is the only species in the genus Leptonychotes.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Weddell Seal being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Hydrurga leptonyx
- Cystophora cristata
- Lobodon carcinophaga
- Erignathus barbatus
- Pagophilus groenlandicus
- Mirounga leonina
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Phocidae
- Genus
- Leptonychotes
- Species
- Leptonychotes weddellii
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