Facts about Harbour Seal
- 06
Across the North Atlantic and North Pacific, harbour seals maintain distinct regional populations that rarely interbreed, with some colonies numbering over 5,000 individuals.
- 05
Harbour seals maintain stable body temperatures around 37 degrees Celsius through a layer of blubber that comprises approximately 30 percent of their body weight.
- 04
Pups born to harbour seals can swim and dive within hours of birth, nursing on milk containing 40-50% fat to rapidly build blubber for cold water survival.
- 03
Mottled grey and brown coloration allows harbour seals to blend seamlessly with rocky coastlines and kelp forests, providing effective camouflage from predators and prey.
- 02
Harbour seals can hold their breath for approximately 38 minutes, allowing them to remain submerged while hunting in deep ocean waters.
- 01
At depths exceeding 300 meters, harbour seals can dive for up to 38 minutes while hunting fish in cold ocean waters.