Seal

Phoca vitulina
Earless seal (Phocidae)

CC-BY 2.0 rights : Arnstein Rønning

The Seal colouring ranges from yellow-grey with darker markings to dark brown with lighter markings. The belly is lighter and evenly coloured. It has a short nose with large eyes, the ear holes are just behind the eyes and it has a small tail. The feet are webbed and the rear legs cannot be turned forwards.

It is day active and swims and dives for marine life. While diving the nose holes are closed to prevent water entering the lungs. It cannot walk but shuffles on its belly on shore.  

⇔ hbl. 120-195 cm, sl. 5-10 cm

syn. Harbor seal

Can dive to 100 m and can remain underwater for a maximum of 30 min while hunting. The young were hunted for their skin and the adults also, presumably regarded as a threat to fishing profits.

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