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08/31/10 |
    
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Weddell pups are born in colonies in September and October. Females give birth to one pup per year after reaching about six years of age. Males often defend underwater territories from other males so females can have access to breathing holes. Mothers provide pups with a rich nourishing milk (up to 70% fat) allowing the pups to gain weight quickly. Weighing up to 60 pounds at birth, by the end of the nursing period (usually 6 to 8 weeks) they have gained as much as 200 pounds. Once weaned, the pups have learned to swim, hunt, and to haul themselves out of the water and are ready to head out on their own. |
This site was last updated 08/31/10