Marine mammal

Harbor seal

Phoca vitulina

Coastal bays, rocky shores, and sandy haul-outs

Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source and license. Displayed as a resized crop. Photograph illustrates the species.

Habitat: Coastal bays, rocky shores, and sandy haul-outs
Viewing zone: Surface & shoreline
Viewing activities: Offshore · Beach / tidepool

Field context

Temperate Northern Hemisphere coastal habitats; molts in mid to late summer and spends more time hauled out during molt.

Observing responsibly

Beach/tidepool refers to shore observation. Avoid approaching seals on land or separating a mother and pup.

When to look

The available records do not establish a reliable local viewing season. Use the map’s month filter to inspect dated observations; it does not predict an encounter.

WHERE HAS IT BEEN RECORDED?

Explore the featured regions

These dated records show past presence. They do not establish today’s abundance, guarantee a sighting, or describe the species’ entire range.

This reference profile does not have a matching record in the four featured snapshots. That is not evidence of absence. Explore the live map for other areas and records.