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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Seals are marine mammals with adaptations for diving, finding prey and resting both in water and on shore. “Seal” can mean true seals specifically, or pinnipeds more broadly; sea lions and fur seals are related but distinct groups. Here are nine facts, with species-specific details where they matter.
1. True seals lack visible outer ear flaps
True seals belong to the family Phocidae. They have ear openings rather than visible external ear flaps. Sea lions and fur seals are otariids and have small external ear flaps.
The groups also move differently on land. A harbor seal’s fused pelvic bones prevent it from bringing its hind flippers underneath its body to walk like a sea lion. NOAA Fisheries describes a harbor seal’s movement on land as a caterpillar-like undulation; this does not mean the animal is injured.
| Feature | True seals | Sea lions and fur seals |
|---|---|---|
| External ears | Ear openings, no visible outer flaps | Small external ear flaps |
| Movement on land | Often wriggle or undulate; hind flippers do not turn forward beneath the body | Can turn hind flippers forward and move more effectively on land |
2. Whiskers may help seals detect prey
A seal’s whiskers are sensitive touch organs. NOAA Fisheries says scientists think seals use them to detect vibrations from swimming prey. Blind seals observed in the wild also appear able to hunt and feed without sight, showing that vision is not their only aid to finding food.
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3. Dive abilities vary greatly by species
Some pinnipeds are remarkable divers, but exceptional records should not be treated as typical for all seals. Smithsonian Ocean reports a Southern elephant seal recorded diving to 2,388 metres for two hours; the source gives typical dives for that species as about 20 to 30 minutes at depths of 270 to 550 metres. For harbor seals, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo reports recorded dives of up to 30 minutes and 1,460 feet (446 metres), while average dives last less than three minutes.
| Species | Recorded or typical dive information | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern elephant seal | One recorded dive: 2,388 m for two hours; typical dives: 20–30 minutes at 270–550 m | Smithsonian Ocean |
| Harbor seal | Recorded dives: up to 30 minutes and 1,460 ft (446 m); average dives under three minutes | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute |
4. Harbor seals slow their heart rate during deep dives
Harbor seals rely on oxygen stored in their blood and muscle tissues. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo says a harbor seal’s heart rate may be roughly 80 to 120 beats per minute before a dive and as few as three or four during one. These figures describe harbor seals, not every seal species.
5. Blubber provides insulation and stored energy
Blubber is a layer of fat beneath the skin that helps insulate seals in cold water and provides energy reserves. NOAA Fisheries notes that stored fat allows seals to go extended periods without eating. Blubber is not the only factor in heat management: pinnipeds can also control blood flow to reduce heat loss, and fur is another adaptation in some species.
6. Harbor seal pups can swim very soon after birth
Harbor seal pups are ready to swim within minutes of birth, according to NOAA Fisheries. NOAA also reports that they can dive for up to two minutes at just two to three days old. These are harbor seal facts, not a rule for all seal pups.
7. Mothers and pups use calls and scent to recognize one another
NOAA Fisheries says harbor seal pups make distinctive calls that can be heard up to a kilometre away. Close mother-pup recognition can also involve scent. A mother may leave her pup ashore while she forages offshore, so a pup alone on a beach is not automatically abandoned.
8. Seals haul out for important activities—and do not need to stay wet
Seals come ashore or onto ice to rest, molt, give birth or nurse pups. NOAA Fisheries says seals do not need to be wet constantly. Do not touch, feed or wet a hauled-out seal; disturbing it can constitute harassment. Keep people and dogs at a distance.
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9. Seals get water from their food
Seals obtain the water they need from food and are adapted to conserve and recycle water; they avoid drinking seawater. NOAA Fisheries notes that Arctic seals may sometimes eat freshwater ice and snow.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if you see a seal or pup
- Stay well back and keep dogs and children away.
- Do not touch, feed, wet, move or surround the animal.
- If the seal appears injured or distressed, contact local wildlife authorities or a qualified marine-mammal rescue organization for advice.
NOAA Fisheries advises giving seals space. Increased vocalizing, movement toward the water or interrupted resting can be signs that a person is too close.
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How can you tell a true seal from a sea lion?
True seals have ear openings rather than visible outer ear flaps, and they cannot rotate their hind flippers forward beneath the body to walk. Sea lions have external ear flaps and can move more effectively on land using their rotated hind flippers.
Do seals need to stay wet?
No. Seals regularly haul out to rest, molt, give birth or nurse pups. NOAA Fisheries advises people not to wet or otherwise disturb them.
Is a seal pup alone on a beach abandoned?
Not necessarily. A harbor seal mother may leave her pup ashore while foraging offshore. Keep your distance, keep dogs away and contact a local wildlife authority or marine-mammal rescue organization if you are concerned.
How long can seals stay underwater?
It depends on the species. Smithsonian Ocean reports a Southern elephant seal recorded on a two-hour dive, while the Smithsonian’s National Zoo says harbor seal average dives last less than three minutes. These examples should not be generalized to all seals.
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