Harbor seal

Phoca vitulina

Mammalia · Carnivora · Phocidae

Fig. 1. Harbor seal

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	Body length about 1.5-1.9 m
Weight	About 80-150 kg
Food	Fish, squid, crustaceans
Lifespan	About 25-30 years
Society	Haul out in loose groups
Habitat	coastal, polar
Range	North America, Europe, Asia
Wild or tame	Wild

A true (earless) seal: it moves on land by wriggling on its belly.

Observe: Compare how a seal and a sea lion move on land.

Modern data

Status today

LCLeast concern status to verify

Conservation	Least concern.
Keeper's note	Training sessions let keepers check teeth, eyes and flippers without stress.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Phoca

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · ITIS

See it elsewhere in the museum

Zoo: Polar coast zone

For classes

Lessons: The Mammal Hall: Weigh the cost of warmthPreviewThe Mammal Hall: What makes a mammal?PreviewThe Great Aquarium: Is a dolphin a fish?Preview

Drawer: Zoo: Polar coast

Quiz: Polar coast quiz · 5 questions