BARROW, Alaska (KGO) -- An airport in Barrow, Alaska, received a surprise visitor on the runway on Monday in the form of a 450-pound bearded seal.

Environmental groups first petitioned the federal government to list the ringed seal along with two others under the Endangered Species Act in 2008.

A seal estimated to weigh 450 pounds was removed from the Utqiagvik Airport runway by way of sled, KTVA reported . A photo and video of the bearded seal lounging on the runway was shared on Facebook.

The state of Alaska sued the National Marine Fisheries Service in February, asserting that the 2022 critical habitat designation for ringed and bearded seals was overly broad, and could hinder oil ...