Lacs des Loups Marins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lacs des Loups Marins |
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NASA image of Lacs des Loups Marins
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 Lacs des Loups Marins
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Nunavik, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec |
| Coordinates | 56°31′36″N 73°32′43″W / 56.52667°N 73.54528°W |
| Primary outflows | Nastapoka River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 84 km (52 mi) |
| Max. width | 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Surface area | 576 km2 (222 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 262 m (860 ft) |
| Frozen | November to June |
Lacs des Loups Marins is a very special lake in northern Quebec, Canada. It is located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) east of Hudson Bay. The lake is also about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Lac à l'Eau Claire.
This lake is famous for its unique population of harbor seals. These seals live in the lake all year round! They are the only type of seal in Canada that stays in fresh water.
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What's in a Name?
The name Lacs des Loups Marins means "Lakes of the Marine Wolves" or "Seal Wolf Lakes." This name comes from the seals that live there. In French, these seals are called loups marins or phoques.
The Unique Freshwater Seals
The seals found here belong to a special group. They are called Phoca vitulina mellonae. This is a unique subtype of harbor seal. They are the only seals in Canada that live entirely in fresh water. They do not go to the ocean.
A Glimpse into History
The lake has had a few different names over time. It was first known as Lower Seal Lake. Later, it was simply called Seal Lake.
When the Name Changed
In 1967, the lake was officially named Lacs des Loups Marins. This name was chosen because of the seals that live in and around the lake.
The Cree Name for the Lake
The Cree people, who are Indigenous to the area, have their own name for the lake. They call it Musiwaw Achikunipi. This name means "lake of seals in the tundra." It shows how important these seals have been to the local people for a long time.
