Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Species
- Phoca vitulina
Habitat
This subspecies inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, and sandy or rocky beaches along the North Atlantic, from the eastern coasts of North America to Europe, including the Baltic Sea. They prefer shallow waters for foraging and haul out on land to rest and breed. Their range includes both temperate and subarctic regions.
Diet
Eastern Atlantic common seals primarily eat fish such as herring, cod, and flounder, which they catch by diving to depths of up to 500 meters. They also consume invertebrates like squid and crustaceans, feeding mainly during the day in coastal waters. Their hunting involves stealthy approaches and quick bursts of speed.
Behavior
These seals are social animals that often form groups on haul-out sites like rocks or beaches, but they are not highly territorial. They are primarily diurnal, spending time swimming, foraging, and resting on land, with behaviors including vocalizations for communication during breeding. They are curious and may approach boats, but they flee quickly if threatened.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the harbor seal, including this subspecies, as Least Concern, with a stable population trend overall. Major threats include habitat loss, pollution, and bycatch in fishing nets.