Book 6, Question 70 · Video
Why Do Seals Climb Onto Rocks?
Seals hunt in the water, but they are mammals, so they need to rest on land. They climb onto rocks or sand to rest, warm up, dry off, and have pups. This is called hauling out.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do seals climb onto rocks?
The Big Idea
Seals hunt in the water, but they are mammals, so they need to rest on land. They climb onto rocks or sand to rest, warm up, dry off, and have pups. This is called hauling out.
The Seal Hunts
Step one: the seal hunts in the water, and then it climbs onto a rock. A seal swims and hunts fish for hours. Then it heaves itself up onto a rock, using its flippers.
Fur Dries, Body Warms
Step two: the fur dries, and the body warms. Wind dries the fur, and sunshine warms the body. A dry seal wastes less energy, and a warm seal feels good.
Sleep or Nurse a Pup
Step three: it sleeps or nurses a pup. On land, a seal is safe from most sharks while it naps. Mothers also nurse their fluffy pups on the shore.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at a haul-out! Flippers help the seal shuffle onto the rock. Wet fur dries in the sun and wind. And a mother may be nursing her pup.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! A seal haul-out can look like a pile of sausages! Never pour water on a resting seal. A pup resting alone on the shore is usually not abandoned, so leave it be. Stay back, because scared seals can bite, and crowds can trap pups.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! If you visit a seal beach with a grown-up, watch from far away. Use binoculars if you have them. Count the seals on the rocks. Why leave the pantry to rest on a rock? And what two jobs does dry land do?
Outro
A rock is a seal's couch above the waves. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!