Quick answer
The harbor seal is a true (earless) seal found along cool coasts across the Northern Hemisphere. It has a plump, spotted coat, no visible ear flaps, and large dark eyes. Harbor seals reach about 1.8 m (6 ft), live 25 to 30 years, and haul out on rocks and beaches to rest.
Key takeaway
The harbor seal is a true (earless) seal found along cool coasts across the Northern Hemisphere. It has a plump, spotted coat, no visible ear flaps, and large dark eyes. Harbor seals reach about 1.8 m (6 ft), live 25 to 30 years, and haul out on rocks and beaches to rest.
Harbor Seal overview
Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) is a mammal listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 55–130 kg (120–290 lb); lifespan around 25–30 years.
Harbor Seal ecology
Diet: Carnivore (fish, squid, crustaceans). Habitat: Temperate and Arctic coastal waters. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Harbor Seals and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild harbor seals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Harbor Seal profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Habitat and range
Harbor seals are among the most widespread of all seals, living along temperate and Arctic shorelines on both sides of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. They favor sheltered bays, estuaries, and rocky coasts, where they haul out on rocks, sandbars, and beaches to rest between feeding trips.
Conservation
Harbor seals are listed as Least Concern overall, though some regional populations are declining. Threats include entanglement in fishing gear, pollution, disease outbreaks, and disturbance at haul-out sites. People are advised to keep their distance from resting seals and pups rather than approaching or trying to rescue them.
Sources
Harbor Seal FAQs
What are key facts about harbor seals?
The harbor seal is a true (earless) seal found along cool coasts across the Northern Hemisphere. It has a plump, spotted coat, no visible ear flaps, and large dark eyes. Harbor seals reach about 1.8 m (6 ft), live 25 to 30 years, and haul out on rocks and beaches to rest.
What is the scientific name of the harbor seal?
Phoca vitulina — used in research and conservation listings for harbor seals.
What do harbor seals eat?
Harbor Seals eat fish, squid and crustaceans, with seasonal and regional variation in Temperate and Arctic coastal waters.
Where do harbor seals live?
They are associated with Temperate and Arctic coastal waters. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of harbor seals?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.