Harp Seal
Scientific Name:
Pagophilus groenlandicus
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A playful Arctic seal known for its cute white-coated pups and incredible swimming abilities in icy waters.
Fun
Harp Seal
Facts
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Baby harp seals are called ‘whitecoats’ because of their fluffy white fur!
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They can hold their breath underwater for up to 15 minutes while searching for food..
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Harp seals love to slide across the ice on their bellies like a slippery sled!
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They have excellent underwater vision to help them hunt in dark, icy waters.
Where do they live?
Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, United States (Alaska)
What do they eat?
Fish, Crustaceans, Shrimp, Squid
Species Endangered Level
Not Endangered
Least Endangered
Most Endangered
Learn More!
Harp seals are well-known for their adorable white-coated pups and their ability to thrive in the icy waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. Their name comes from the distinctive black markings on their backs, which resemble the shape of a harp. Adult harp seals have sleek silver-gray fur with these unique patterns, while babies are born with a soft, white coat that helps them blend in with the snow.
Harp seals are social animals, often found in large groups on ice floes where they rest, breed, and give birth. They are excellent swimmers and divers, capable of holding their breath for long periods while searching for food. Their diet mainly consists of fish and crustaceans, which they catch using their sensitive whiskers to detect movement in the water. Despite their cute appearance, they are strong and agile hunters.
These seals migrate long distances throughout the year, following the movement of ice and food sources. While harp seals are currently not endangered, they face threats from climate change, hunting, and fishing net entanglements.
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