Me and My Mom - Scene 4

Harbor Seal and Pup

The harbor seal, also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. Harbor seals are brown, tan, or gray, with distinctive V-shaped nostrils. An adult can attain a length of 1.85 meters (6.1 ft) and a mass of 132 kilograms (290 lb). Blubber under the seal's skin helps to maintain body temperature. Females outlive males (30-35 years versus 20-25 years). Females bear a single pup after a nine month gestation, which they care for alone. Pups can weigh up to 16 kg (35 lb) and are able to swim and dive within hours of birth. The global population of harbor seals is 350,000-500,000, but subspecies in certain habitats are threatened.