Adult Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) hauled out on ice near the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, Polar Regions

weddell seal leptoncychotes weddellii resting ice antarctic peninsula antarctica marine mammal polar region wildlife nature seal habitat ice floe animal behavior icy landscape peaceful mammal ocean marine ecosystem animal markings surfacing marine biology conservation biodiversity seal colony natural environment aquatic animal cold climate habitat preservation wildlife observation endangered species polar exploration ice habitat snow sea ice animal adaptation seal population natural behavior coastal ecology nature lovers arctic region marine research ecological balance ice sheet wildlife enthusiasts natural habitat wildlife protection