What is a "harp seal"?

The harp seal is a marine mammal known for its striking appearance and unique life cycle. Adult harp seals have a silvery-gray coat with black spots arranged in a "harp" or "saddle" shape on their back, giving them their name. They are well adapted to life in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, with a thick layer of blubber for insulation and specialized adaptations for swimming in icy waters. Harp seals are known for their annual migrations and extensive use of sea ice for breeding and pupping. During the breeding season, female harp seals give birth to their pups on the sea ice, and the pups are born with a soft, white coat known as "whitecoat" which they shed after a few weeks. Harp seals are important prey for polar bears and other Arctic predators, and they play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.