Here's why:
* Pods vary in size: Seal pods can range from just a few individuals to hundreds of seals.
* Visibility: The number of seals you see depends on the pod's size, the density of the water, and how well they're clustered together. Some seals might be hidden underwater.
To get a more accurate count, you would need to:
* Use special equipment: Researchers often use aerial photography or specialized counting methods to estimate the number of seals in a pod.
* Observe for a longer time: Even if you can't count all the seals, observing the pod for a while might give you a better idea of its size.