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Harp Seal

Pagophilus groenlandicus

Published on Project Noah
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44.5133, -68.2686

Field Notes

Habitat:

They live mostly on pack ice distributed from Newfoundland through northern Russia. It is more and more common to see these youngsters and even a few adults along the coast of Maine during the winter months.

Notes:

This seal is a juvenile... when Harp Seals are first born they have white coats which changes soon after they are weaned to this spotted coloration. When they reach maturity they have mostly white coats with dark faces and a large harp shaped saddle on their back hence their name.

Reference Links:

Harp seal

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)
galewhale..Gale
Thanks!! This is a young female... if you look really carefully you can see her recessed nipples

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Marine Mammals of the World
Mission
Acadia National Park
Mission
BioBlitz, Maine
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 3, 2012

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