Seals - The Body

The body of a typical seal is long and streamlined. Each seal has four flippers, two in front and two in back. The hair covering the seal's entire body is of two types: soft underfur which insulates the seal against cold when on land, and coarser guard hairs above the underfur, which form the first line of protection against cold air temperatures. Whiskers, located on either side of the mouth, over the eyes, and around the nose, serve as tactile organs that help seals locate food and alert the seal to predators.