Introduction:
Harbor Seals are amazing creatures found all around the world! Although they may look cute and cuddly, they actually have a very unique and fascinating history. From their diet to their hunting techniques, these creatures are truly remarkable! Here, we discuss 15 interesting facts about harbor seals that you may not have known before!
Fact 1: Harbor Seals are not True Seals
Contrary to popular belief, harbor seals are not in the same taxonomic group as true seals. Instead, harbor seals are phocids, otherwise known as “eared seals.” This is due to the fact that harbor seals possess ear flaps that other seal species lack.
Fact 2: Harbor Seals are Most Numerous in the North Atlantic
Harbor seals are found throughout the temperate and subpolar regions of the world seas. However, the highest populations of harbor seals are found in the North Atlantic. Here, the greatest populations are found in seas near the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Northern Europe.
Fact 3: Harbor Seals Next Most Numerous in Pacific
Harbor seals are also found in the Pacific Ocean, with the greatest populations near the U.S. coasts. Other harbor seal populations in the Pacific can also be found in waters near Japan and Russia.
Fact 4: Harbor Seals Can Swim Fast
Harbor seals are highly adapted in the aquatic environment. They possess both webbed feet, which helps them move through the water rapidly. These animals are known to be able to reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour!
Fact 5: Harbor Seals Use Rocks to Crack Open Shellfish
In addition to their incredible swimming speed, harbor seals have another trick up their sleeve. Harbor seals will often pick up rocks or mussel shells from the sea floor and use them as tools to break open shellfish. This behavior is incredibly intelligent for a marine mammal.
Fact 6: Harbor Seals Don’t Migrate Far
Harbor seals prefer to stay close to their home-bases, especially during the winter. Their breeding grounds are often in a relatively small area compared to other species of seals, and they tend to stay within the same region year-round.
Fact 7: Harbor Seals Can Survive For A Few Minutes Out of Water
Harbor seals actually possess some limited ability to survive out of the water. When they come ashore, they have developed a coat of blubber that helps them keep warm. This blubber also gives the seal an air of insulation, which helps them stay alive outside of the water for a few minutes.
Fact 8: Pups Are Born on Land
Harbor seals do not give birth to their offspring in the water. Instead, they give birth on land. This is due to the fact that harbor seals are not very good swimmers when they are born, so it is important for them to born in a safe environment.
Fact 9: Harbor Seals Are Social Animals
Harbor seals are, by nature, social animals. They often live in large colonies, and can be seen swimming and playing together in the water. Harbor seals are also known to greet one another, something that is rarely seen in true seals.
Fact 10: Harbor Seals Feed Primarily on Fish
Harbor seals feed mainly on fish, although they can occasionally feed on sea birds or squid. The seals prefer to hunt during the night, when the fish are most active. Harbor seals will often wait by rocks and ledges, waiting for the unsuspecting prey to pass by.
Fact 11: Harbor Seals Have a Unique Sense of Smell
Harbor seals possess a unique sense of smell that helps them discern their prey from further distances. Although there is not much information on this trait, it is believed that harbor seals can smell their food up to four kilometers away!
Fact 12: Harbor Seals Live on Average 25 Years
Harbor seals can live a fairly long life in the wild, with an average lifespan of about 25 years. However, they are often not as long-lived as other species of seal due to the many predators that are present in their marine habitats.
Fact 13: Harbor Seals Can Detect Even Subtle Water Changes
Harbor seals have a very impressive ability to detect even the most subtle changes in the water. This ability helps them detect predators as well as potential prey items, making them among the more skilled predators in the ocean.
Fact 14: Harbor Seals Can Hear Even in Deep Water
Harbor seals have ears that are located deep within their bodies, which allows them to hear even at great depths beneath the ocean’s surface. This is an important ability for these animals to have, as it helps them stay aware of any potential predators that may come near.
Fact 15: Harbor Seals Sweat Through Their Fur
Harbor seals are the only species of seal that are capable of “sweating” through their fur. This ability helps them maintain a healthy body temperature in the water, and it allows the seals to cool down after spending prolonged periods of time out of the water.
It’s clear to see that harbor seals are truly amazing creatures! From their diet to their hunting techniques, these amazing animals are truly a force to be reckoned with. We hope you’ve learned something new about these incredible creatures today and that you’ve come to appreciate them even more!
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