A Weddell seal mother and her pup

Dear Friend,

In the days ahead, I will travel to the ice that surrounds Ross Island to work with scientists who are studying Weddell seals. No other wild mammals
on Earth live as far south as these seals! Year round, they live on and
swim under the ice that surrounds Antarctica. When pups are born in the early Antarctic spring (October), they are covered with a thick coat of fur. The scientists here have special permission from the U.S. government to study these seals.

Marine mammals enjoy special protection in the United States. Research on marine mammals (including photography) within U.S. jurisdictions or when based at a U.S. institution requires a permit under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. Bob Marstall, who took this photo, is listed on Dr. Randall Davis's permit, which is Marine Mammal Permit #821-1588-01.

Your friend,

Bob