Seals

Seals are a diverse group of marine mammals known for their streamlined bodies, flipper-like limbs, and remarkable ability to live in both aquatic and icy environments. They belong to the pinniped family, which also includes sea lions and walruses. True seals, often called “earless seals,” are members of the family Phocidae, characterized by the absence of external ear flaps and their strong swimming adaptations. Their scientific classification varies by species—for example, the harbor seal is Phoca vitulina—but all share traits that make them highly efficient in the water.

Ranging from the icy Arctic to temperate coastlines, seals have adapted to a wide variety of habitats. They use thick layers of blubber for insulation and buoyancy, and their bodies are shaped to glide effortlessly through water. Most species are carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish, squid, and crustaceans, which they catch during deep dives. Some seals, such as the elephant seal, can dive over 5,000 feet (1,500 m) and hold their breath for more than an hour.

On land or ice, seals are clumsier but use their bodies to haul out for resting, molting, mating, and giving birth. Their reproductive cycles are often tied to specific seasons and locations, with females returning to traditional rookeries to raise their pups. Pups are typically born with insulating fur coats that they shed as they mature into sleek, water-adapted adults.

Seals play an important ecological role as both predators and prey. They are key indicators of ocean health, and many species face threats from climate change, habitat loss, entanglement, and hunting. Conservation efforts and marine protected areas aim to safeguard their populations and ensure their continued survival in the wild.