Let’s learn all about Harbor Seals
Where do Harbor Seals Live?
Unlike California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals are found on both the east and west coasts of North America. They can also be found in Asia and Europe. They prefer temperate coastal habitats in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, north of the equator
How do Harbor Seals fit into the ecosystem?
Harbor Seals are a keystone species. They are a top predator that help maintain balance in the ecosystem by regulating the populations of other marine species.
Predators
Harbor Seals eat smaller marine species like fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans. This helps keep the populations of these other species in check.
Food source
Harbor Seals are also prey for large animals like sharks and killer whales.
Ecosystem indicators
Since their populations are sensitive to changes in food availability, they can be used as indicators of the health of their coastal ecosystem.
Appearance
Ear Flaps
Instead of ear flaps, Harbor seals have an external ear opening to the ear canal. It opens and closes when they dive.
Foreflippers
A harbor seal's flippers are short and webbed. Each foreflipper has five digits of about equal length. The foreflippers have noticeable claws, which are used for scratching, grooming, and defense.
The Foreflippers are not as broad as the hind flippers and have less resistance to water flow.
Hind Flippers
Harbor seals move their hind flippers side-to-side to propel themselves in water. The hind flippers also function as a rudder.
Unlike a sea lion, a seal cannot rotate its hind flippers underneath the pelvic girdle. When on land, a seal moves by bouncing in a caterpillar like motion. Which is why it is more likely too retreat into the water when feeling threatened.
Tail
A harbor seal has a short, flattened tail - tucked between its hind flippers.
Reproduction
Harbor seals reach sexual maturity between 3 and 7 years old, and mating occurs roughly six weeks after their pups are born.
Harbor seals mate in the water, and males use vocalizations and displays to attract a partner. Males usually mate with multiple females during the breeding season.
Pupping
Most Harbor Seals are born in the winter months, usually around February and March.
Females nurse their pups for an average of 24 days and during that time pups gain between 1.1 and 1.3 pounds per day. Pups are able to swim minutes after birth and stick very close to mom in the water. Harbor Seal females fast during the first week of lactation but will then leave their pups for short periods of time to feed.
Harbor Seal Giving Birth
A harbor seal gives birth on a beach in La Jolla, CA. Watch as she delivers the newborn pup and cares for it after the birth. This film was made on February 19, 2020
Threats
Entanglement
Harbor seals can become entangled in fishing gear and other types of marine debris, either swimming off with the gear attached or becoming anchored. They can become entangled in many different fishing gear types. Once entangled, seals may drown if they cannot reach the surface to breathe, or they may drag attached gear for long distances as they swim, ultimately resulting in fatigue, compromised feeding ability, or serious injury, all of which may lead to reduced reproductive success and even death. If the gear becomes wrapped around their bodies, it will cut into their delicate flesh.
Pup Abandonment Due to Harassment
If people or dogs get too close, a mother seal, she may abandon her pup. This can include beachgoers walking their dogs. Many times rescue organizations cannot help the abandon pup as it will disrupt mother seal moms and pups and often times the pup is left to starve to death.
What do you do if you see an marine mammal in distress?
If you have seen an animal in distress or in need of help, please contact the Sea World Rescue team.
Phone: 1-800-541- SEAL (7325)
Email: SWC.Rescue@seaworld.com
Helpful information to give the Rescue Team:
Date animal was last seen
Time animal was last seen
Location (name of beach, address, landmark etc.)
Size of the animal compared to a dog breed
Is the animal thin? Can you see its ribs, hips or spine?
Is the animal entangled in fishing gear?
