Lake Baikal. The deepest, the oldest. And its living symbol is the seal. A seal that has adapted to freshwater over thousands of years and has become almost mythical. For local residents, it is a neighbor, helper, and source of sustenance. For tourists, an object of admiration and a selfie subject. But how is this neighborliness built? Does human activity harm the seal? And how does the seal respond to humans? Let's dive into their relationship.

Who is the seal

The Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica) is one of the three species of freshwater seals in the world. It is an endemic species of Lake Baikal. How did it get into the lake? Scientists argue, but the version is that through ancient rivers during the Ice Age. The seal reaches a length of 1.6 meters, a weight of up to 130 kg. It feeds on fish (golomyanka, sturgeon). It lives up to 55 years. In winter, it breathes through holes in the ice. It gives birth to one pup (belka) in March-April. The seal is the top of the food chain in Baikal (except for humans and occasionally bears). The population is stable - about 100,000 heads. However, there are problems in recent years.

The seal and indigenous peoples

The Evenks and Buryats have hunted seals for centuries. Meat, fat, and skin were used for clothing, footwear, and utensils. Hunting was quota-based, without greed. The seal was revered as a sacred animal - its spirit was appeased. With the arrival of the Russians, the hunt became more predatory. In the 1930s, seals were killed for fat for industry. Only in the 1980s were restrictions introduced. Today, indigenous people hunt seals under licenses and use skins for souvenirs.

The seal and tourism

In 2026, observing the seal is one of the main attractions of Baikal. Tourists go to Olkhon Island, Chivyrkuy Bay, and the Ushkany Islands (a reserve with restricted access). Seals like to bask on rocks. They can be seen in their natural environment. However, close proximity (by boat) stresses the animals. In 2022, fines were introduced for pursuing seals (up to 100,000 rubles). Excursions with biologists explaining behavior have appeared. There are also "sealaries" (the Baikal Sealarium in Liствянка), where seals perform - this causes controversy among animal rights activists.

Problems: pollution, poaching, global warming

The seal suffers from pollution of Baikal with microplastics and wastewater. Heavy metals are found in its body. Poachers (due to skins and fat) shoot even pregnant females. Icebreakers destroy holes in the ice in winter, and seals suffocate. Global warming is reducing ice, affecting breeding. Scientists are sounding the alarm: the population may decrease by 30% by 2040. The "Save the Seal" fund was created in 2026.

How can we help

Do not feed the seal (it becomes dependent and loses its fear). Do not approach boats closer than 50 meters. Do not buy products made from skins (hats, slippers) - this encourages poaching. Report violations to the Baikal Nature Protection Prosecutor's Office. Participate in cleaning the beaches of garbage. Support scientific projects studying the seal. And most importantly - spread the word about the problems.

The seal in culture and medicine

The seal is the hero of Buryat tales ("How the seal saved the earth"). Its image is on souvenirs, postage stamps, even on the emblem of Severobaikalsk. Seal fat is used in folk medicine (wound healing, immunity), although there is little scientific evidence. In 2026, dietary supplements made from seal fat appeared, but eco-activists are against commercialization.

The history of saving pups

Every year in spring, abandoned pups (belka) are found on the ice of Baikal (the mother died or left). Volunteers of the "Seal" fund feed them milk (mixture) in a rehabilitation center. They are released into the lake after 3-4 months. In 2026, 15 seal pups were saved. Tourists are allowed to watch the feeding (for a fee, but not to touch). This has become part of ecotourism.

The seal and human: the future

The seal is an indicator of Baikal's health. If the seal disappears, the lake may die too. But humans have realized their responsibility. Tourism is becoming more ecological, industry is cleaner. It is only necessary not to slow down the pace. There is hope.

The seal and human are not enemies, but not friends either. Rather, neighbors who have to share a home. And how we behave depends on whether our grandchildren will see the seal live or only on pictures.

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