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Seal (Harp)

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Pagophilus groenlandicus
Seal (Harp)

Range

They are found in the North Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Oceans from Siberia to Newfoundland and Canada.

Habitat

They live on and around the arctic pack ice, moving north in spring and south in the fall (migration). They can cover 5,000 miles in the yearly (annual) migration.

Body Traits

They can be more than 6 feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds. As adults they are silver-gray with white spots.

Habits

They come together into large herds on the ice to have their babies.

Diet

They eat fish and crabs.

Predators

They are hunted by polar bears, killer whales, sharks and man.

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District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Reproduction

Females are pregnant for about 7.5 months (gestation). They have 1 baby in late winter. It is about 20 pounds at birth and covered with a soft, white fur.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

They can live up to 30 years. They are listed as Lower Risk - least concern.

Seal (Harp)

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Phocidae
Genus: Pagophilus
Species: Pagophilus groenlandicus

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