Harbor seal

Wikipedia image / Marcel Burkhard Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina concolor) Harbor seals are the most abundant pinniped (walruses, seals, and sea lions) species, not only in this area but also the entire eastern seaboard. If you spot a little head bobbing in the water offshore or what looks like a small log washed up on the beach, it is probably a harbor seal. Harbor seals are small relative to other seal species and can be recognized by their short snout and rounded head. Males and females are similar in size and color with adults typically between 4-5 feet long and 220-250 pounds on average. Their coloration varies, ranging from grey to almost black coats with dark spots or white rings along the back. Pups are born on shore in areas along the Maine coast between May and June. The newborn pups are nursed for 4 -6 weeks and it is not unusual for the mother to temporarily leave the pup so she may go forage for food. The favorite food of harbor seals in this area is small schooling fish, but they may also feed on squid and crustaceans. Harbor seals may eat over 15 pounds of food per day; however, they can go for long periods without eating, surviving just off their blubber layer. Harbor seals are present in New England year-round, but adults are regularly seen from May to November and juveniles are present from May to August. They prefer to stay in shallow waters and are often found in areas with rocky coastlines and sandbars exposed at low tide. It is not unusual to see an individual or group of seals hauled out on the beach. In fact, seals have to spend time out of the water to dry off and warm up or else they will freeze in the cold ocean water. If you have ever watched a seal move along the beach, it might have made you laugh. Seals do not have the ability to rotate their hindquarters under their bodies and “walk” like sea lions do. Instead, seals move very awkwardly on land, flopping along on their bellies. Like all marine mammals, harbor seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. It is, therefore, illegal to harass or harm harbor seals. And, cute as they are, seals can be aggressive and they do have quite sharp teeth. So, if you notice a seal on the beach or in the water, keep your distance. Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Hits: 1009 Trackback(0) TrackBack URI for this entry Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Comment smaller | bigger I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage. Write the displayed characters Add Comment

 

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