Journal

The next stage in the PQ process is the physical.

How exactly would I measure up against an adult Weddell seal?

Ward in Thermals
Human Bridget Ward in her first thermal layer.

Common Name:
Human: Bridget Ward
Scientific Name:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mamallia
Order: Primate
Family: Hominidae
Genus: Homo
Species: sapiens

Height: 5 feet 3 inches
Weight: 110 lbs

Weddell seal
A Weddell seal. Photo by Alex Eilers (PolarTREC 2011).

Common Name: Weddell seal
Scientific Name:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mamallia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Phocidae
Genus: Leptonychotes
Species: weddellii

Height: 8.5-11.5 Feet
Weight: 880-1320 lbs

Though I am considered a small woman, I am definitely much smaller than a Weddell seal – about 2-6 feet shorter and 770-1,210 pounds lighter. I began to wonder... How will our team be working with adult Weddell seals, and will they cooperate?

Turns out our team actually will not be working with the adults, just the pups, which are born at about 50 pounds; still big. While working with the pups, team members will just keep watch of the moms, making sure they don’t go for a swim. They don't seem to care that we are working with their babies. Weddell seals do not have any land predators and they don't view humans as a threat. Dr. Liwanag likes “to think that they see us as big red penguins.”

Comments

Mon, 06/25/2018 - 11:18

Judy Fahnestock

Yes, there is just a *slight* size and weight difference between you and an adult Weddell seal (though you will look a bit bigger with 4 or 5 more layers on!). It's a good thing that you will be working with pups. Either way, are you lifting weights in preparation?! ;)

Mon, 06/25/2018 - 17:41

Bridget Ward

I am actually heading on a summer adventure, but when I return I will be focusing on bulking up for my trip to Antarctica. The plan is to consume a lot of protein and work out focusing on muscle gain.... I have to be strong enough to pull start a snowmobile :)