The Baikal fresh water seal (nerpa) is the only mammal in the lake and one of its mysteries. One assumption is that a seal got here together with the omul fish from the Arctic Ocean through the Jenisey and the Angara river system during the glacial period. According to the other source, the seal originated in freshwater reserves of Eurasia and then found its habitat in the Caspian sea, the Arctic ocean and the Baikal.

 

The seals live approximately 56 years. They are 1,6-1,7 м long and weigh150 kg. In March, seals have their young (a Belek) called “Kumutkan” in Evenk language. A seal feed on golomyanka and bychok fish. It dives 200 meters deep to get it and can stay under water for 20–25 minutes. Seals are found all over the lake but their main habitat is in the north and the middle of the lake. Their favorite place is Yshkanyu Isles on the territory of the national Park “Zabaikalski”. There are about sixty thousand seals in the lake. When the lake is ice free seals rest on rocky shores, in winter they lie on the ice near the holes made by themselves.

 

Seals are very curious, playful and at the same time rather careful. Quite often they are found near ships watching them. But at the first signs of danger they quickly disappear.

 

The seal is called the Baikal symbol just like the famous omul, its image being used in local emblems. The seal is a very interesting object for taking pictures and films. Excursions to the Ushkanyu Isles offer this opportunity and are of special interest among tourists.