Molting in seals refers to the process of shedding their outer layer, which includes fur, skin, and sometimes even nails and horns. Seals molt to grow new skin and hair, replacing their old coats with shiny, healthy ones. This shedding process is essential for maintaining the health of their fur and skin.
During molting, seals often spend more time on land than in the water. This is because their blood needs to flow closer to the surface of the skin to promote hair growth, which would result in severe heat loss if they were in the water for extended periods. By increasing their time spent hauled out, seals can optimize their surface temperature, keeping it around 37°C.
Some seal species, such as elephant seals and Hawaiian monk seals, not only shed their fur but also their skin. This extreme molting strategy involves the peeling off of old skin, with new skin emerging to replace it. This process requires a significant amount of energy and resources for the seals.
Molting can be a challenging and sometimes painful process for seals. They may appear ragged and unkempt during the molt, and their bodies may be more vulnerable to the elements due to the shedding of their protective outer layer. It is important for people to give molting seals a wide berth and avoid disturbing them during this time.
