Every Seal Explained in 21 Minutes
Every Seal Explained in 21 Minutes
Harbor seals are the seals you've probably seen basking on rocks near coastlines, and they're the most widespread seal species across the Northern Hemisphere. Each individual has a unique spotted coat pattern that works like a fingerprint, with mottled grey-brown fur covered in dark spots. These seals are incredible divers, reaching depths of up to 500 meters and holding their breath for more than 30 minutes while hunting fish, squid, and crustaceans. They grow to about 1.5 to 2 meters in length and weigh between 80 and 150 kilograms. With a round head and dog-like face, harbor seals have adapted remarkably well to living near humans, often hauling out on beaches and rocky shores in plain view. Their population sits around 500,000 worldwide, and they can live for 25 to 30 years in the wild.