Fauna
Mammal

Harbor Seal

Phoca vitulina

Also known as Common Seal, Harbour Seal, Atlantic Harbor Seal, Pacific Harbor Seal

Harbor seals rest on rocky shores, sandbars, and mudflats between foraging trips, often adopting a banana-like posture with head and tail flippers raised off the ground. Their distinct V-shaped nostrils seal tightly shut underwater, allowing them to dive for up to twenty minutes in search of bottom-dwelling fish and squid. Mothers give birth to well-developed pups that can swim within hours of birth, vocalizing with sheep-like bleats to maintain contact in heavy surf.

Marine MammalAquaticCoastal
Harbor Seal reference1 / 7
Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyHerring, Cod, Squid
Predators
  • Orca
  • Great White Shark
  • Steller Sea Lion
ThreatsEntanglement in fishing gear, marine pollution, boat strikes, and coastal disturbance
HabitatsCoastal waters, estuaries, bays, and rocky shores
Life span20–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderCarnivora
  2. FamilyPhocidae
  3. GenusPhoca
  4. SpeciesPhoca vitulina
Range & activity
N. Atlantic N. Pacific Arctic Ocean

Marine distribution — the ocean basins and seas where the species occurs.

Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Can deliver a severe bite if crowded or handled; maintain a respectful distance on beaches and coastal rocks.
What to notice
Look for a dog-like rounded head, V-shaped nostrils, dark spots on light grey or brown fur, and lack of external ear flaps.
Support conservation
Maintain a generous buffer distance, keep dogs on a leash, and use optical zoom rather than approaching closer.
Responsible observation
  • Observe from Distance: Stay at least 100 meters away on beaches to avoid causing stress or flushing seals into the water.
  • Watch for Distress: A seal raising its flipper, fidgeting, or staring directly at you indicates you are too close.
  • Leave Pups Alone: Mother seals frequently leave healthy pups on land while foraging, so never touch or relocate resting pups.
Related species
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