The Harbor Seal is the most widely distributed pinniped in the Northern Hemisphere, recognizable by its spotted coat and caterpillar-like movement on land. It does not migrate, maintaining year-round residency in coastal areas where it hauls out on rocks, sandbars, and beaches. Harbor seals are curious and often approach kayakers and swimmers but should not be fed or touched.
Habitat
Coastal waters, estuaries, and tidal rocks and beaches
Diet
Fish, squid, crustaceans, and mollusks
How common
Common
Recent Harbor Seal sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Harbor Seal? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free