Harbour Seals

These cute and curious marine mammals have a fur and a thick layer of blubber to keep themselves warm in cold ocean waters.

CLASSIFICATION

Harbour seals, also known as common seals, are a species of earless seal in the family Phocidae. They belong to the genus Phoca and are scientifically named Phoca vitulina. Harbour seals are found in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.

DIET

Harbour seals are carnivorous and feed mainly on fish, such as herring, sand lance, and capelin, but also eat squid and crustaceans. That being said, they are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available in their environment.

BIOLOGY

Harbour seals have a streamlined body, with a small head and big eyes. They can grow up to 1.85m long and weigh up to 170kg. They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes! Their thick layer of blubber helps them stay warm in cold waters.

DISTRIBUTION

These seals are found in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They are commonly found in the waters of the northeastern United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. They prefer shallow, coastal waters and can often be seen basking on rocky shorelines or sandbars.

LIFECYCLE

Harbour seals mate in the water and give birth to one pup after a gestation period of about 11 months. Pups are born with a white, woolly coat that they shed after a few weeks. They are weaned at around 4-6 weeks old and become independent after 4-6 months. They can live up to 30 years old in the wild (longer in captivity).

FUN FACTS