Animal Profiles
Mammals

Harbor Seal

Phoca vitulina

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The harbor seal is a spotted marine mammal of northern coastal waters. It hunts mainly fish and rests on shores, rocks or other haul-out sites.

Phoca vitulina (harbor seal)

Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Harbor seals occupy North Atlantic and North Pacific coasts. Bays, estuaries and shallow coastal waters offer feeding grounds and nearby resting sites.
Habitat
Coast
Diet
Piscivore
Food
Fish make up most meals, with squid, octopus and crustaceans also taken.

Classification

Common name
Harbor Seal
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Phoca vitulina
Taxon rank
species
Order
Carnivora
Family
Phocidae
Genus
Phoca
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It lacks projecting ear flaps.
  • Its nostrils close while swimming.
  • Its coat varies in colour and spotting.

Habitat and range

Harbor seals occupy North Atlantic and North Pacific coasts. Bays, estuaries and shallow coastal waters offer feeding grounds and nearby resting sites.

Appearance and adaptations

A rounded head, flippers and streamlined trunk suit underwater travel. Blubber provides insulation, and whiskers help sense the surroundings.

Diet and behaviour

Fish make up most meals, with squid, octopus and crustaceans also taken. Individuals haul out between feeding trips and gather at some breeding or moulting sites. Movement and feeding patterns vary with local conditions.

Sources

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