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Harbor seals share a common ancestor with bears and canines (dogs, wolves). They lack external ears. They move on land using a caterpillar like locomotion process.
- Mammalia
- Chordata
- Carnivora
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.
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).
Harbor seals are site faithful, which means that they stay with the same resting, haulout, and birthing site. Thus, they will spend their entire lives along the same stretch of coastline. They are generally 5-6 feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds, with males being s lightly larger than females.
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.
- Mammalia
- Chordata
- Carnivora
Harbour seals “haul out” on land to rest, digest food, give birth, or nurse their young. Unlike other pinnipeds, harbour seals are predominantly solitary; rarely interacting with others. They do however congregate on shores, and mother-infant bonds are strong until weaning.
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Harbor seals rarely interact with other species but show aggression if threatened. Take a deep dive and learn all about harbor seals - from what they like to eat to how they care for their young. Click here for a library of harbor seal resources.
