EDI Species of the Week
Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Harbor seals are one of the most common marine mammals along the U.S. West and East Coasts. They are commonly seen resting on rocks and beaches along the coast. Here in San Diego, they like to haul out at Casa Beach in La Jolla. San Diego’s harbor seal population gives birth in February and March and the pups nurse for 4-6 weeks. The mother's milk, contains as much as 45% milk fat, enabling the pup to more than double its weight by the end of the weaning process. This time of year you can see their pups, now weaned, snoozing on the beach!
Harbor seals are one of the most common marine mammals along the U.S. West and East Coasts. They are commonly seen resting on rocks and beaches along the coast. Here in San Diego, they like to haul out at Casa Beach in La Jolla. San Diego’s harbor seal population gives birth in February and March and the pups nurse for 4-6 weeks. The mother's milk, contains as much as 45% milk fat, enabling the pup to more than double its weight by the end of the weaning process. This time of year you can see their pups, now weaned, snoozing on the beach!
