While at sea the females and young males are 

 gray in color. After a few days ashore they turn 

 yellow-brown from staining by the mud and ex- 

 crement on the rookeries. Although cleaned 

 somewhat during trips to sea, unstained pelage 

 is not restored until molt occurs. Pups are black 



when born but assume a gray pelage in Sep- 

 tember. Males over 6 years old are predominantly 

 brownish-black, but they vary greatly and may 

 also be dark gray and reddish brown. An adult 

 male develops a short bushy mane on his shoulders 

 and neck. 



The pelage of fur seals effectively prevents the animals from becoming wet. The photograph dem- 

 onstrates the water repellent nature of the underfur in a section freshly cut from a yearling seal. Mag- 

 nification is 4 times. 



