The harbor seal is a small, spotted seal found along northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific. It is one of the most widespread seals and often seen hauled out on sandbanks and rocks.
Interesting facts
- It is also called the common seal.
- Pups can swim within hours of birth.
- Seals often rest in a ‘banana’ posture, with head and tail raised.
- Harbor seals can dive to about 500 metres, although most dives are much shallower.
- Outbreaks of phocine distemper killed tens of thousands of seals in the North Sea in 1988 and 2002.
- Each seal’s spot pattern is unique.
Behaviour
Harbor seals haul out at low tide to rest and feed at sea, usually close to shore. They are shy on land and quickly slip into the water if disturbed.
Breeding and young
After about 11 months, including delayed implantation, a single pup is born in early summer. Pups nurse for about four weeks.
Threats and conservation
Disease, pollution, entanglement, disturbance, declines in fish and conflict with fisheries.
Where to see it
- Wadden Sea, Netherlands, Germany and Denmark
- Vatnsnes Peninsula, Iceland
- Monterey Bay and Point Reyes, California
- Puget Sound, Washington
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Orca Watching on Vancouver Island
