Fun Facts!

A seal chorus? Researchers have found that males gather underwater, turn on their backs, put their heads together and vocalize to attract females.

Harbor Seal

Phoca vitulina

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Seals vary in fur color from brown to black to light grey, and their underbellies are lighter in color. Each seal has a special pattern of dark spots (lighter spots on dark areas) which is as unique as a human fingerprint. They have small flippers and a relatively large head. Females are smaller than males. Harbor seals are typically 6 feet long, but can be as much as a foot longer or shorter. Males weigh between 150-375 pounds and females weigh between 110-330 pounds.

HABITAT

They live in temperate and Arctic coastlines in the Northern Hemisphere. Seals “haul out” on beaches and sandy coves, and often will swim up a large freshwater river.

DIET IN THE WILD

Seals eat several kinds of fish from anchovies and sea bass to herring, cod, whiting and menhaden. Occasionally, they eat squid, shrimp and mollusks.

BEHAVIOR

Harbor seals collect in groups, and gather in harbors. Seals are mild-mannered, but when they feel endangered, they growl and snort, waving its fingers and head.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS:

Up to half a million common seals now exist, but their populations are being watched and counted by conservationists. Hunting is also a concern; as seal meat and fur are valued in Greenland and Iceland. Human encroachment is another growing problem.

LIFE SPAN

Females can live between 30-35 years. Males live shorter (20-25 years) which scientists speculate is due to stresses put on males during breeding season.