Seal blocks runway in Alaskan airport while ‘sunbathing’ – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Seal blocks runway in Alaskan airport while ‘sunbathing’




A 450-pound bearded seal blocked the runway at Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport in Utqiagvik, Alaska, for a time last Monday.

Airport staff spotted the animal right on the center of the icy runway while clearing up after a snow storm. Bearded seals are the largest breed of Arctic Ocean seal, and can grow up to 10ft long.

The animal appeared to be enjoying the winter sun, and would not move. Workers had to call in wildlife officials, who were eventually able to persuade the seal to shift places using a snow blower and a sled.

Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport is the northernmost airport on US territory. It features one single runway, 7,100ft. long, from which domestic flights operate to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and a few other destinations within Alaska.

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