Harbor Seal
Phoca vitulina
Harbor seals are the most common seal species seen on our whale watch trips. They can be found here year-round, although they become more abundant in the Fall and Winter months. They are frequently seen swimming far out to sea or sunning themselves on the rocks in Gloucester harbor (such as those rocks near Stage Fort Park or Dolliver’s neck).
Quick Facts & Stats
Round head, no external ear flaps
Haul out on rocks
Spotted gray coat
Coastal Northern Hemisphere
Harbor Seals are medium-sized seals with the males reaching lengths of just over 6 feet and weighing up to 370 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, reaching lengths of about 5.5 feet and weighing 290 pounds.
The fur of their coats is highly viable in appearance. Some Harbor seals have very mottled coats with lots of spotting, while others have coats that are more evenly colored with only a handful of darker spots or rings. Some individuals are very dark gray (almost black), while others are blonde in appearance. A few Harbor seals can even be quite reddish!
Harbor Seals are told from their larger cousins, the Gray seals, by their smaller size, and by the “puppy-dog-like” appearance to their heads which results from them having a concaved forehead. This means that they have a clearly defined muzzle and forehead, much like a dog does. The Gray seal, by comparison, has a much flatter, “horse-head” like appearance with no clear separation between forehead and muzzle.
