What ocean zone do harbor seals live in?

What ocean zone do harbor seals live in?

Harbor seals live in temperate coastal habitats along the northern coasts of North America, Europe, and Asia. They occur on the U.S. East and West coasts. On the East Coast, harbor seals are found from the Canadian Arctic to the Mid-Atlantic.

Where are seals found in the ocean?

Habitat. True seals typically live in the cold ocean waters of the Arctic or off the coasts of Antarctica. Some seals make caves in the snow to live in.

Where do Pacific harbor seals live?

Pacific harbor seals are found north of the equator in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In the Pacific, they can be found in areas ranging from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. They favor nearshore coastal waters and are often seen on rocky islands, sandy beaches, mudflats, bays and estuaries.

Do seals live in the Atlantic Ocean?

About the Species. Gray seals are found in coastal waters throughout the North Atlantic Ocean. They are sometimes called “horseheads” (adult males in particular have large, horse-like heads) because of their large, curved noses. Gray seals gather in large groups during the mating/pupping and molting seasons.

Do harbor seals live in groups?

Most often the seals live alone, but they sometimes form groups. The Harbor Seal is part of the “true seal” family, as it has no external ears and has short flippers. These short flippers are great for swimming, but make movement on land slow and awkward.

Can harbor seals live in freshwater?

Common seals (harbor seals) are known to enter estuaries and freshwater rivers in pursuit of their prey. Colonies of common seals live in some lakes, such as seals of Iliamna Lake, Alaska, trapped there a long time ago.

Where are the seals on the east coast?

Where to see the seals in Norfolk and Essex, East of England

• See the seals by boat. The greatest wildlife adventure you’re likely to have in the East of England is to see the seals.
• Blakeney Point National Nature Reserve.
• The Wash, Norfolk.
• Hamford Water, Essex.
• Wallasea Island, Essex.

What are harbor seals predators?

White sharks are the primary marine predator of harbor seals, but occasionally other large sharks and killer whales eat them. Terrestrial predators such as coyotes and bobcats can also occasionally prey on harbor seals resting onshore, particularly pups that are very young.

Do harbor seals eat ducks?

Harbor seals are mostly coastal, thought they have been recorded diving to depths of over 500 meters (1,640 feet). They have also been known to attack and eat several species of duck.

Are seals fresh or saltwater?

Seals can live in fresh or saltwater; they usually spend their entire lives in an area of about five miles.

How long can seals stay under water?

Dives last 3 to 7 minutes and are usually in shallow waters. But they can dive deeper. Adult harbor seals can dive as deep as 1500 feet and stay underwater over 30 minutes! To do this, they rely on their amazing oxygen storage capabilities.

Where can I see seals in the Northeast?

The best place to see seals is the offshore islands where they haul out onto the rocks to rest. The outer Farne Islands and Coquet Island provide important haul-out areas all year round.

What time of day is best to see seals?

Morning 8.00 am to 15:00 hrs. Just after sun reise is the best time to watch seal swimming near the walkable beach. But they rest on other side which can be seen easily.

Are harbor seals friendly?

Like all intelligent marine mammals, each harbor seal has its own personality — some friendly and playful, others skittish and standoffish. Harbor seal pups are capable of swimming and diving within hours of being born.

Are harbor seals shy?

Harbor seals are curious but shy animals that prefer quiet, unpopulated areas. Seals like to “haul out” on protected beaches, spits, bars, rocks and log rafts to bask in the sun and sleep. At the slightest sign of danger they will slip back into the water and swim away.