Harbor Seal

The Harbor Seal, also known as the Common Seal, is a marine mammal native to the coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere. It is known for its dog-like face and its sleek, streamlined body.

Harbor Seals are highly social animals that live in large colonies. They are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, as their presence helps to control the populations of their prey, including fish and squid.

Harbor Seal

Harbor Seal

Classification

Mammalia > Carnivora > Phocidae > Phoca > P. vitulina

Native To

Conservation Status

Average Height

5 - 6 feet
(1.5 - 1.8 m)

Average Weight

180 - 285 lbs
(82 - 129 kg)

Average Life Span

20 - 30 years

Gestation Period

270 - 280 days

Diet

Carnivore (fish, crustaceans, cephalopods)

Social Structure

Solitary

Did You Know?

The Harbor Seal is a true seal, meaning they don't have external ear flaps.

They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater!

Harbor Seals are found in coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

They often rest on rocks, beaches, or ice floes, a behavior called "hauling out."

Their diet consists mainly of fish, but they also eat shellfish and crustaceans.

Each Harbor Seal has a unique pattern of spots on its fur, like a human fingerprint.

They can sleep underwater, occasionally coming up for air without fully waking.

Harbor Seal pups can swim and dive within hours of being born.

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