1 They are fast swimmers. They dart and play in the ocean. On land they are slow. They move like clowns. What are they? They are sea lions, seals, and walruses.
2 Scientists like to group animals together. Seals, sea lions, and walruses belong to one group. It is a group called "pinnipeds" [PIN-ni-peds].
3 Seals live on both sides of North America. They eat many kinds of fish. They eat salmon, pollock, and hake, plus squid and octopus. They eat these when they can during the seasons.
4 Salmon are a favorite. They are a rich, tasty fish. Seals will wait at river mouths for the fish. The salmon must get past the seals to go up the river.
5 Seals do not always stay in large groups. A harbor seal often travels alone. They will stick their heads up to watch passing boats.
6 Seals are often a gray-brown color. In the water, they look black.
7 Many seals live and swim in cold waters. They have two ways to stay warm. They have a thick coat of fur. They also have a thick layer of fat. It is called blubber. It is what insulates the animals.
8 Seal mothers [cows] have one pup each year. The pup learns his mother's voice. When they have been apart, the pup can find her when she calls. Male seals are called bulls.
Paragraphs 9 to 22:
For the complete story with questions: click here for printable
