Harbor Seals

Drawing of seal

Anna Weiner
used with permission

Harbor Seals (Pinniped phocidae)

Seals like to bask in the sun on beaches and beach-like formations called spits. This behavior is called hauling out.

Gateway's seal visitors are true seals, unlike their relative the sea lion. True seals lack external ear flaps and are also smaller and more skittish. Their long, hairless front flippers are used for propulsion in water while their hind flippers are used for steering. Their hind flippers can also be brought forward and under their bodies, allowing them to flop along on their bellies. Seals have a thick blubber layer which, combined with a fur coat, protects them in frigid climates.

Seals, along with sea lions and walruses, are classified in a warm blooded group called pinnipeds. Pinnipeds spend most of their lives in the water but come on land to give birth, raise their young and to molt. They can sleep in water but must wake up frequently to surface and breathe. They are gifted swimmers, able to dive up to 1,500 feet for as long as 40 minutes. Submerged seals use oxygen stored in their blood and muscles as well as their lungs. Large eyes protected by oily "tears" assist the seal in dark waters.

Seals can be seen throughout Gateway between November and March. Sandy Hook's bayside is a very popular place for seal watching.