Description
The harbor seal, a remarkable member of the Phocidae family known as ‘true earless’ or ‘hair seals,’ is characterized by the absence of visible external ears, which are only discernible through subtle skin folds or openings. In the pristine waters of Alaska, these seals typically reach a length of just over five feet and a weight of approximately 190 pounds. In Atlantic waters, harbor seals are notably smaller compared to their counterparts in Alaska and the Western Pacific, with an average length of five feet and a weight of 185 pounds. These captivating creatures have been documented to live beyond 30 years, with females in the wild often reaching an impressive age of 25 to 30 years, while males typically have shorter lifespans, largely attributed to the demands of the breeding season.
During my visit to the park, I was determined to capture intriguing photographs of these marvelous seals. On one of our memorable boat tours, we encountered a group of approximately a dozen harbor seals. I managed to position myself in such a way that I could capture this enchanting image of three of them resting together on an ice floe adrift in the bay. A closer look reveals a fourth seal on the far left, curiously poking its head over the ice, gazing in our direction. These creatures are undeniably beautiful and a true marvel to witness.
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