Fun Facts
hover over a fact to learn more about seals
FACT
1
the seal is a carnivorous animal, meaning that they eat meat
FACT
2
The elephant seal is not only the largest pinniped (way bigger than a walrus), but also the largest terrestrial carnivore
FACT
5
Molting requires the seal be on land where they can more easily regulate their temperature. Fur can be seen sloughing off seals and sea lions in huge chunks during this period.
FACT
6
A male seal is called a bull, a female is called a cow, and a baby is called a pup
FACT
3
A group of seals on land is called a colony, and a group of seals in the water is called a raft.
FACT
7
Some seals can stay underwater for up to an hour without taking a breath
FACT
4
Popular lounging areas are called "haul outs" or the term can be used to describe the activity, as in "the seals are hauled out on the beach."
FACT
8
Seals replace their skin and their fur every year in one 30 day long molt.
FACT
9
A seal uses its whiskers, called vibrissae, to detect prey
FACT
10
Male elephant seals have many scars from battles with sharp-toothed rivals during the pre-breeding season
FACT
13
Harbor seals are the smallest of California pinnipeds
FACT
14
Seals in water will regulate their body temperature by raising a flipper or tail out into the air.
FACT
11
The harp seal pups are snow white in color to camouflage them in their snowy environment, which is critical over the next week or two, as they begin to forage and fend for themselves.
FACT
15
Seals can sleep underwater
FACT
12
Most seals feed on fish, squid, octopus, and shellfish, but some take plankton, and one species catch penguins and small seals.
FACT
16
Harbor seals use oxygen already in their blood and muscles while under water, and their heartbeat slows from about 100 beats per minute to 10