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SPECIES PROFILE

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)

Phoca

IUCN STATUS

Least Concern

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) — North Atlantic and North Pacific coasts; in the US abundant from Maine to New York and from Alaska to California

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least Concern

CLASS

Mammalia

GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE

North Atlantic and North Pacific coasts; in the US abundant from Maine to New York and from Alaska to California

DIET

Carnivore

HABITAT

Coastal waters, estuaries, rocky beaches, and sand bars; hauls out on exposed rocks, jetties, and beaches

🔬 Classification

PHYLUM

Chordata

CLASS

Mammalia

ORDER

Carnivora

FAMILY

Phocidae

GENUS

Phoca

📋 Description

SIZE

1.5–1.9 m; 55–170 kg

COLORATION

Variable grey to tan with darker spots and blotches; large dark eyes; V-shaped nostrils; stubby front flippers

ADAPTATIONS

Can dive to 600 m and hold its breath for 28 minutes; pupils dilate enormously for low-light hunting; whiskers detect vibrations from fish

🌿 Ecology

HABITAT

Coastal waters, estuaries, rocky beaches, and sand bars; hauls out on exposed rocks, jetties, and beaches

DIET

Carnivore

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

North Atlantic and North Pacific coasts; in the US abundant from Maine to New York and from Alaska to California

REPRODUCTION

Single pup born on land May to June; pup can swim within hours; weaned in 4–6 weeks; mother does not eat during nursing

DIET DETAILS

Fish (herring, sand lance, hake, flounder), squid, and crustaceans located by sensitive whiskers and underwater vision

⚠️ Threats & Conservation

PRIMARY THREATS

Historical hunting for pelts; bycatch in fishing gear; prey depletion; disturbance at haul-out sites; disease epidemics

💡 Interesting Facts

1

Harbor Seals can hold their breath for up to 28 minutes and dive to 600 m by slowing their heart rate to just 4 beats per minute during deep dives.

2

Harbor Seals use their whiskers (vibrissae) to detect the hydrodynamic wake of fish that swam by up to 30 seconds earlier — they can track prey in complete darkness.

🔭 Sighting Guide

📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT

Chatham Fish Pier near Chatham, MA, has large Harbor Seal haul-outs visible from the public pier year-round

Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, ME, has Harbor Seals at rocky haul-out sites along the coast

Race Point Beach in Cape Cod National Seashore, MA, has Harbor Seals visible from the beach

🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT

Year-round at Chatham, MA, and along the Maine coast; May and June for pupping season; best viewing from shore with binoculars.

🎯 SIGHTING TIPS

Year-round on rocky coasts; haul-out sites peak in May to June for pupping; Maine coast, Cape Cod, and the Pacific Northwest.