Wild Windows · Harbor Seal
Phoca vitulina
The most widely distributed seal in the world, found along temperate and Arctic coastlines across the Northern Hemisphere. Harbor seals haul out on rocks, sandbars, and beaches to rest, often near the harbors that give them their name.
Natural History
Habitat
Coastal waters, estuaries, and intertidal zones across the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
Diet
Carnivore: fish, squid, and crustaceans, caught on dives that can exceed 400 meters.
Lifespan
25 to 30 years.
Behavior
Generally solitary in the water but gathers in groups to haul out and rest. Pups can swim within hours of birth. Communicates with slaps, vocalizations, and underwater clicks.
Classroom Facts
Live Cameras
Each listing shows its current source, permission, and playback-verification state.
Use This With
Printable, photocopy-friendly, designed by educators. Pair them with any cam featuring this species.
A printable deck of illustrated identification cards for the mammals featured across Wild Windows cams — common name, scientific name, conservation status, range, and a standout fact. Cut them out for a sorting activity or a matching game.
