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Sep 26, 2023 · Like cats, wolves and dogs, but unlike other pinniped species, harbor seal retina have a visual streak and an area centralis which gives good peripheral detection of movement. Harbor seals can adapt rapidly to changes in light which is necessary when diving from daylight to depths where light is minimal.
- Adaptations
- Predators
- Conservation Status
When underwater, harbor seals stop breathing so that their heart rate decreases leading to the conservation of energy. Also, they exhale before a deep dive which helps the oxygen accumulate into th...Their four flippers assist them to move around in the water, with the hind pair propelling them forward, and the front two helping them steer themselves.A higher metabolic rate compared to mammals of a similar size helps them produce body heat to keep their bodies warm.A thick blubber helps harbor seals keep themselves insulated, thus decreasing heat loss.Killer whales (orcas), white sharks and polar bears prey on harbor seals. Coyotes sometimes hunt common seals when they are on land.
IUCN has listed the harbor seal under their ‘Least Concern’ category. Their total population is estimated to be around 350,000-500,000 individuals.
- Mammalia
- Chordata
- Carnivora
The Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) is a true seal that lives along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. It is the most widely distributed species of pinniped (walruses, eared seals, and true seals).
Mar 22, 2021 · Seals and sea lions have many well-developed whiskers, much like cats. Like cats, they have a very acute sense of touch. Scientists think seals can use their whiskers to detect vibrations from swimming prey.
May 14, 2014 · Research into harbor seal population and behavior as a result of human and natural disturbances. Scientists assess the factors that influence the number and location of harbor seals hauling out on ice in Disenchantment Bay.
Apr 19, 2022 · Harbor seal pelvic bones are fused, preventing them from moving their hind flippers under their pelvis to walk on land like sea lions. Instead, they move by undulating in a caterpillar-like motion. This behavior does not mean they are injured. Harbor seal pups can swim at birth.
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Harbor seals often are found sharing haul-out space with other pinnipeds, such as California sea lions and Northern elephant seals. Harbor seals rarely interact with other species but show aggression if threatened.
