popturf

stellar’s sea cow, extinction

posted in history

commander islands

from stellar’s sea cow, extinction posted in history by pete_nice

Measuring up to 30 ft long and weighing 8.8-11 short tons, Stellar's Sea Cow was "discovered" in 1741 by the Bering expedition at this location (the only confirmed area where they were ever seen).

A relative of the manatee, the massive sea mammal was a slow-moving and social creature with no teeth (just keratinous plates). True to form, the gentle creature was hunted to extinction by 1768.

Great job, guys.

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