Harbor seals are a common sight along the coasts of the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, in part due to their habit of lounging on rocks and beaches to rest and warm up in the sun. But the water is where they thrive – they can even swim as soon as they′re born!
These seals are found throughout coastal waters in the northern hemisphere. Their coat color can vary, but they often sport one of two patterns: tan or gray fur with dark spots or dark fur with light-colored rings. Adults typically measure about 1.5-1.8 meters (5-6 feet) long and weigh between 80-130 kilograms (180-285 pounds). They are strong swimmers, capable of holding their breath for up to 30 minutes and swimming at birth. They feed on a wide variety of prey, including fish, shellfish, octopus and squid, and crustaceans. These seals also have a playful side and are known to play both by themselves and with objects like kelp.
While they tend to stay by themselves in the water, harbor seals do come ashore, or ″haul out″, in groups. Hauling out allows seals to regulate their body temperature, rest, interact with other seals, and avoid predators like sharks and killer whales. Because they cannot walk on land, they move by flopping along on their bellies, undulating their bodies.