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A Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus) rests on an ice floe. Bearded seals in Spitsbergen have a uniquely red face which is thought to come from minerals in sea floor sediments. Similar seals, found in other areas, do not have this 'rust' coloration. They often like to rest on ice floes, but are usually vigilant for polar bears. Spitsbergen.

Image 19 of 40 in this gallery.