Northern Fur Seal

Scientific Name: Callorhinus ursinus

Category: mammal

Northern Fur Seal

Brief Description

A semi-aquatic marine mammal known for its thick fur and long hind flippers. It belongs to the eared seal family, which includes sea lions.

Characteristics

Stocky body, pointed snout, and visible external ear flaps. They have extremely long hind flippers and thick, dense fur ranging from dark brown to silvery grey. Males are significantly larger and have a thick mane of hair on their necks.

Habitat

Found in both the open ocean for foraging and on rocky islands or sandy beaches for breeding and molting.

When to Find It

Pelagic (living at sea) for most of the year; gathers in large colonies on breeding islands from May through October.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (IUCN)

Ecological Role

An apex predator in the marine food web, they help regulate fish and cephalopod populations. They are also a prey source for large sharks and killer whales.

Easily Confused With

California Sea Lion (larger, shorter hind flippers, less dense fur) and Harbor Seal (lacks external ear flaps and cannot rotate hind flippers forward to walk).

Observation Tips

Observing from a distance is critical to avoid disturbance. Use binoculars at known rookeries, such as those in the Pribilof Islands, during the summer months.

Interesting Facts

Northern Fur Seals have approximately 300,000 hairs per square inch of skin, one of the densest coats of any mammal. They spend about three-quarters of their lives at sea, sleeping in the water by tucking one flipper under their chin.