Volume 23, Plate XV / Mammalia (Mammals)

Mitred or Hooded Seal

Phoca Mitrata

The Mitred or Hooded Seal, known from a cranium and a young specimen about three and a half feet long, appeared whitish save for a slate-brown back and legs, taking a yellow tinge when dry, with large whitish-tipped nails and fine short whiskers. Upon its neck and shoulders lies a singular mass of vessels which may allow the skin to be drawn forward over the head like a cap; its habits and locality remain nearly unknown.