The Secret Lives of Wild Animals — Text-only | Flash Special Report
Seal


Tracking Technology
Scientists temporarily equip adult Weddell seals with a video camera, near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and data recorders to record encounters with prey as well as the seal’s position, depth, compass heading, flipper stroke frequency and swimming speed. The LEDs are invisible to the seals and their prey, but allow the camera to capture images up to three feet away in total darkness.

Images:
A Weddell seal displays the ‘catch of the day,’ an Antarctic toothfish. Researchers are using the ‘seal cam,’ which is attached to the seal's back, to see what goes on underneath the Antarctic ice.
Credit:
Randall Davis, Texas A&M University; images under authorization of Marine Mammal Permit No. 821-1588-01