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Nature at work

Elephant seal on Whiffin Spit was going through annual molting of skin
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Mother Nature at work

Whiffin Spit had a little guest last week - well, not too little anyway - he’s an “elephant” seal - and no, he’s not dead, or sick. He is in a process called “molting” - in which he sheds his skin for a whole new set. The catastophic molt can take between 25 and 28 days. The fur sheds in patches with the epidermal skin attached revealing a new dark gray fur underneath ready for immediate use.

And, as it happens, the good ol’ Spit is his favourite spot. He’s also originally from California and is one year old, so he’s a young pup.

Everyone passing by at the Spit is encouraged to take a look at this unique (and unfortunately, endangered) marine animal, however visitors are required to respectfully remain behind the caution tape during his stay here.