Harbor seal

Harbor seals, also known as common seals, are a species of true seals that flourish along the temperate and Arctic coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. These seals are commonly found in the coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Baltic and North Seas. Easily identifiable by their brown, silvery white, tan, or gray coats and V-shaped nostrils, harbor seals lack external ear flaps and possess a thick layer of blubber to help them retain heat. They can reach lengths of up to 1.85 meters and weigh as much as 168 kilograms.

These seals prefer rocky coastal areas for resting and haul-out sites, which offer protection from inclement weather and predators. After a nine-month gestation period, female harbor seals give birth to a single pup. The mother assumes exclusive responsibility for caring for the pup, which can swim and dive shortly after birth. These young seals are nursed on fat-rich milk for several weeks before they are weaned.

The global harbor seal population is estimated to be between 350,000 and 500,000 individuals. Although certain subspecies face specific regional threats, sealing has been banned in many of the countries within the seal's range. Nonetheless, harbor seals still contend with challenges such as disease, human conflicts, and accidental bycatch, which can impact local populations.

Harbor seals are generally solitary but can become quite social during breeding seasons. Their diet primarily consists of various fish species and occasionally other marine organisms. Known for their unique vocalizations used in communication and mating, these seals can live up to 36 years for females and 31 years for males.

In North America, harbor seals are found along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. In California, they play an integral role in kelp forest ecosystems and are preyed upon by killer whales and sharks. On the Atlantic coast, populations that once declined due to hunting and pollution are gradually rebounding, with sightings now reported as far south as North Carolina.

Notable harbor seals include Andre, trained by Harry Goodridge in Maine, and Hoover, renowned for his ability to mimic human speech. These seals have successfully recolonized areas where they were once extirpated, demonstrating their remarkable adaptability and resilience in overcoming environmental challenges.