In the Region :: Marine Mammals :: Marine Turtles :: Strandings :: Beach Response

Seals

Seals belong to a group of animals called pinnipeds.

There are three sub-groups, or "families"
· True seals or hair seals (Phocidae)
· Eared seals (Otariidae)
· Walruses (Odobenidae)

Seals are not fully adapted to life in the ocean - they must come ashore to give birth. In contrast, whales give birth under water. After giving birth, the mother whale guides her baby to the surface of the ocean for its first breath of air.

Seal pups must stay with their mothers throughout the nursing period, which varies from a few days to several weeks depending upon the species. Seal mother's milk is about 50 percent fat. This rich milk helps her pup add a layer of blubber to keep it warm and to provide a source of nourishment when it can't find food.

DISTINGUISHING SEALS FROM SEA LIONS

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