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Characteristics: Harbor seals are one of the smallest members of the Phocidae family. Male harbor seals can weigh up to 264 lbs. while females weigh up to 198 lbs.
Harbor seals are known as “true” or “earless” seals. This is because they lack external ear flaps, a characteristic of sea lions and fur seals.
Harbor seals spend most of their time in the water. They typically dive to about 10 ft but are capable of diving up to 650ft. They are able to stay submerged for up to 30 minutes.
Diet: These opportunistic feeders will eat what is available to them. Typically, they eat a wide variety of fish, squid, octopus and crustaceans.
Reproduction: Seal pups are born in the spring and stay with their mothers for 3-6 weeks. They are able to swim at birth and can dive for 2 minutes when they are only 2-3 days old.
Environmental Connections: Seals were once hunted heavily for their pelts. This practice is now illegal and seal numbers have recovered. Harbor seals today face a different pressure. The effects of pesticides began showing up in seal populations during the 1970’s. Many of these chemicals, now illegal in our country, are slow to break down in the environment and are still being used in other countries.
Seals can easily become entwined in fishing line, plastic 6-pack rings, packaging materials and other objects. They easily confuse trash items with true food sources. They are vulnerable to sicknesses caused by ingesting plastic, metals and other trash.
Protecting seals means preserving the habitats in which they live. No ecosystem stands alone so it is important that we work to protect ecosystems on a global level.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
