Common Seal

Phoca vitulina

Near Threatened →

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

30 years

Length

1.7 m

Weight

80.0 kg

Population

500.0K

Trend

→ Stable

About

The most widely distributed pinniped, harbor seals inhabit temperate and subarctic coastal waters of both the North Atlantic and North Pacific. Adults reach up to 130 kg and spend roughly equal time at sea hunting fish, squid, and crustaceans and hauling out on beaches or rocks to rest. Their large, expressive eyes are adapted for underwater vision in low light. Harbor seals are a critical food source for orcas, sharks, and polar bears.

Fun Facts

✨ Harbor seals can dive to depths of 500 meters.
✨ Their whiskers can detect vibrations in the water to locate prey.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

🏖️ Marine Intertidal 🌋 Marine Coastal/Supratidal 🐚 Marine Neritic

Found across Europe (7 countries) and North America (United States). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

🇧🇪 Belgium 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇺🇸 United States

Diet & Behavior

🥩

Carnivore

Common Seal is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore

Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

NT Near Threatened

Estimated Population

500.0K

Population Trend

→ Stable

Full Taxonomy

Pinnipedia (Seals & Sea Lions)

Family

Phocidae (True Seals)

Genus

Phoca (Harbor Seals)

Species

Phoca vitulina (Common Seal)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Foca común

French phoque commun

German Seehund

Similar Species in Phoca

View all species in Phoca →

Explore More

Marine Coastal/Supratidal

Compare Species

vs Spotted Seal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Common Seal?

The scientific name of Common Seal is Phoca vitulina. It belongs to the genus Phoca.

What is the conservation status of Common Seal?

Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is stable.

Where does Common Seal live?

Common Seal is found in Found across Europe (7 countries) and North America (United States). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.. Countries include Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, United States.

What family does Common Seal belong to?

Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) belongs to the genus Phoca, which is part of the taxonomic family Phocidae.

What does Common Seal eat?

Common Seal is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Common Seal live?

Common Seal has an average lifespan of approximately 30 years in the wild.

How many Common Seal are left in the wild?

The estimated wild population of Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) is approximately 500,000 individuals.

What kingdom does Common Seal belong to?

Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).