Harbor seal

/hˈɑːbə sˈiːl/

/hˈɑːɹbɚ sˈiːl/

Harbor seal

a marine mammal found in coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, known for its sleek body, spotted coat, and playful behavior in the water

synonyms : common seal

Phoca vitulina

What is a "harbor seal"?

The harbor seal, also known as the common seal, is a marine mammal that belongs to the family Phocidae. They are found in coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. Harbor seals are known for their sleek and streamlined bodies, with short front flippers and a long, tapering tail. They have a characteristic spotted coat that can range in color from light to dark, and their large, dark eyes are adapted for seeing well both in and out of the water. Harbor seals are known for their playful behavior in the water, often seen swimming, diving, and resting on rocky shores or floating ice. They are opportunistic feeders, primarily preying on fish and invertebrates, and are an important part of marine ecosystems.

Examples

1. The number one patient here at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue facility is the harbor seal and particularly harbor seal pups that come to us at a very young age.

2. And this is Donnally, an animal that’s still with us, who is hit by a propeller blade, so this is a propeller injury, a very severe one to the head, of this adult female harbor seal, who actually turns out to be pregnant.

3. The number one patient here at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue facility is the harbor seal and particularly harbor seal pups that come to us at a very young age.

Nearby words

harbor

happy camper

happy as larry

happy as a flea in a doghouse