Common Harbour Seal

Harbour seals are curious, stocky pinnipeds often encountered in shallow coastal waters and estuaries across the Northern Hemisphere. Their dog-like face, large forward-facing eyes, and lack of external ear flaps distinguish them from other seals. They rest hauled out on rocks and beaches, where they are surprisingly agile, but underwater they are graceful swimmers capable of diving to moderate depths. Divers in cold temperate and Arctic regions may encounter them singly or in small groups; they are generally wary but sometimes approach boats out of curiosity.