Critter Intros: The Harbor Seal

• Common Name: Harbor Seal

• Scientific Name: Phoca vitulina

• Conservation Status: Least Concern

• Habitat: Coastal waters, estuaries, and rocky shorelines of the Northern Hemisphere

• Size: About 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in length and weighing 110-375 lbs (50-170 kg)

The harbor seal is a versatile marine mammal found along the coastlines of North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for their spotted coats and large, dark eyes, they are skilled swimmers, using their powerful hind flippers to navigate the water efficiently. Harbor seals spend much of their time in the ocean but haul out on land to rest, molt, and care for their young. They primarily feed on fish and invertebrates, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. While their population is stable, threats such as pollution, habitat disturbance, and entanglement in fishing gear highlight the importance of conservation efforts to ensure their continued survival.

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