( CNN ) Could it get any cuter than seal pup kisses ? The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Interior this week shared a photo of a Weddell seal nuzzling up to what looked to be its mom in Erebus Bay , Antarctica . The expression of the mother is priceless . The photo was taken in October by USGS scientist William Link . Link , a statistician , was helping researchers tag newborn seal pups . He confirmed Friday that the adult seal was the baby 's mom . It 's hard to know what she was thinking when her baby nuzzled up to her in this photo , but Link said the animals flare their noses when disturbed , `` so this Mom was pretty relaxed , '' Link told CNN Friday . `` I have a great shot a few seconds later where Mom yawned hugely . She looked utterly content , to me . '' The agency 's public affairs department had asked scientists for interesting images to post on social media . As the Instagram caption notes , the Weddell seals of Erebus Bay have been studied extensively for over 40 years . `` Because of its isolation , this population is undisturbed by human activities . The Weddell seal population is healthy and stable , and thus gives a good example for studies of animal population dynamics . '' Link said it was a privilege to see the animals up close . `` I was awed , '' he said . `` It 's incredible that animals can live and thrive in such harsh conditions . It 's hard to describe the remoteness and isolation of the spot -- bitter cold , high winds , no life to be seen except for the seals , an occasional skua or an emperor penguin . '' After a seal pup is born , Link said its mom spends all her time close to her baby in a very small area , with hardly any interaction with other seals . `` Mom does n't even leave for a swim until the baby is nearly ready to be weaned , and even then does n't get to eat . So while baby puts on a couple of hundred pounds , Mamma loses about twice that much , '' he said . For more information on the seals , visit WeddellSealScience.com .
The USGS has been studying Weddell seals in Antarctica for more than 40 years . They have a very high survival rate, and are able to live on the ice pack for up to two years.