Lake Baikal, Barguzinsky Bay, Republic of Buryatia, Siberia, Russia Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica) is the most famous endemic of Lake Baikal. In summer they can be easily observed at natural seal rookeries. But the seal pups are born from mid-February to March. Their light, almost white coat (up to the moment of molting) gave them the name "whitecoat". And it's not an easy task to meet a "whitecoat" pup on the surface of the ice-coered lake. ⠀ During the first weeks of their lives they are mostly hidden in specially arranged lairs, more often situated at the hummock areas, under snow and ice. They eat their moher's milk and they are protected from the harsh weather conditions of this time of year. Moreover, a pup got out to the surface, becomes an easy prey for predators.