A juvenile Hooded Seal. Hoodies are "ice seals" like Harp Seals, but they are much less common in NH waters in winter. Young Hoodies are called "bluebacks" because they're steel blue on top and pale cream colored underneath. They have huge eyes -- they're among
the deepest diving seals -- and a different "face" from a Harp or Harbor
Seal.
The individual in these photos looks alert and has decent body weight.
Hopefully s/he will make it back up to the pack ice by spring!
For more info on seals visit http://www.stranding.org -- the home page of the
Marine Animal Lifeline
(Thanks to Scott Cronenweth for the I.D. and info : )
