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Common name
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harbour seal, common seal |
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Scientific name
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Phoca vitulina |
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Body size
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Males: 1.4-1.9m, 55-170 kg Females: 1.2-1.7m, 45-105 kg |
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Average life expectancy
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Males: up to 20-25 years Females: up to 30-35 years |
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Vocal behavior
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Probably the least vocal of all pinnipeds. Males roar underwater to attract mates. They may snort, hiss, grow, or sneeze when threatened |
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Physical characteristics
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Vary in colour from black, brown, gray or tan, with darker patches. Pelage is unique to the individual. Relatively large head with a short body and flippers |
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Diet
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Fish, cephalopods (squid and octopus) and crustaceans (shrimp and crabs) |
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Foraging behavior
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Make short regular dives, usually to less than 100m, inshore |
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Habitat
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The most widely distributed pinniped; haul out onto rocky shores, mud flats, sandy beaches, and log booms; may also inhabit fresh water; do not tend to travel more than 20km from the shore |
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Distribution
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Inhabit the waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans |
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Reproduction
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Courtship and mating take place underwater. Females give birth to a single pup. Pup is born in an advanced state of development, and can crawl and swim within a few hours of birth. Mother will mate again immediately after weaning. |
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Conservation status
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Are not endangered, although their tendency to stay in the same area for the majority of the year has meant that some local populations have disappeared, such as in the Gulf of Alaska. See: Species At Risk Public Registry |