Whiskers to the Rescue

Seals are born with highly sensitive whiskers packed with nerve endings that enable them to hunt, even during poor visual conditions. These specially shaped whiskers help the marine mammals detect any disturbances that other creatures leave as they move through the waters. The wavy and irregular whiskers hold steady as their owners swim. Whiskers also come in handy when the animals want to examine or touch something. Scientists continue investigating how the fish convert whisker vibration into the target location. Most seals can sleep underwater, and they only go to the land to escape predators like sharks and whales, feed, mate and give birth.