Fisheries & Wildlife

Mammal Collection

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Phoca vitulina (harbor seal)

Specimen Images | FW1559 | FW1564 | ST148 |


Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Phocidae
Genus Phoca
Species Phoca vitulina
Common harbor seal
Diet Crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and squid
Habitat Most widely distributed pinniped. Found in temperate, arctic, and subarctic coastal waters in both the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans.
Description Coat has short, light colored fur with dark spots or rings.
Skull Characteristics Cheekteeth complex with 3 or more cusps. 3 upper incisors, 2 lower incisors.
Notes Links to more species information:
Smithsonian
Animal Diversity Web