Sehlat
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| SPECIES | |
| Sehlat | |
| |
| Planet of origin: | Vulcan |
| Biology | |
| Classification: | Mammal |
| Environmental requirements: | Class M conditions |
| Distinctive Features: Fur and fangs | |
A Sehlat is a type of animal native to Vulcan and appears as a large bear-like creature. They are noted for their six-inch fangs and fur that covers their bodies. They do not like to climb and prefer to remain close to the ground, which provides a way for travellers to escape such animals. Captain Jonathan Archer and Commander T'Pol used such an option to escape a wild Sehlat in 2154.
Despite their appearances, Sehlats were known to be domesticated by Vulcans (TOS episode: "Journey to Babel"). However, these domesticated versions of the animals were far smaller then 'wild' sehlats that prowled the harsh deserts of their homeworld. It was noted that Vulcan children were never late with their pet Sehlat's meal due to the aggressive nature of the animals. (ENT episode: "The Forge")
In the deserts, a type of sehlat known as a Vai-sehlat was known to lay dormant in caves until something disturbed its sleep. (TOS novel: Vulcan's Soul Exodus)
- Vai-sehlat may be a term to describe wild Sehlats.
Sarek had a pet sehlat named I-Chaya which later passed in ownership to Spock. Sadly, I-Chaya was killed in 2237 after sustaining injuries from a Le-matya. Spock chose to euthanize I-Chaya's in order to end his pet's suffering. (TAS episode: "Yesteryear")
In 2254 the Vulcan Sutek of the Last-of-all-Cities colony compared the rest of Vulcan culture to a lap Sehlat, losing their true Vulcan passion and falling into step with what he considered the flaccid Human race. (EV comic: Cloak and Dagger)
By the early 24th century, sehlats had spread beyond Vulcan. On planet Vendrak IV, a young girl named Arava found a stray sehlat and took it in as a pet, to the dismay of her guardian, a woman named Dalal. (TLE novel: Well of Souls)
In 2364 when Data was reactivated after being tampered with by the Tigans he rather bizarrely asked "Did anyone get the name of that sehlat?". (TNG comic: History Lesson)
In 2369, Odo transformed into a sehlat to subdue the Klingon prisoner Mard. The sehlat was known to be able to resist the effects of disruptor fire. (DS9 comic: "Hostage Situation")
[edit] Connections
- Sehlat article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
