Seals

Seals are aquatic mammals within the clade Carnivora, commonly grouped as pinnipeds. The term seals usually refers to two living families: Phocidae, the true seals, and Otariidae, the fur seals and sea lions. Walruses (Odobenidae) are also pinnipeds but are not typically called seals. Seals are found in temperate and polar regions worldwide, occupying coastal waters, continental shelves, and, for many species, pack ice.

True seals have smooth bodies with no external ear flaps and propel themselves mainly with their hind flippers, which they rotate forward for movement on land. Otariids have external ear flaps and robust foreflippers; they can walk on land using all four limbs and can turn their hind flippers forward beneath the body for propulsion in water.

Seals are generally opportunistic feeders, consuming fish, squid, and crustaceans. Diet varies by species and habitat. They rely on blubber for insulation and energy, and use vibrissae (whiskers) to detect prey. They are often social, forming maternity rookeries or large colonies during breeding seasons, though some species are more solitary.

Breeding seasons vary; females usually give birth to a single pup after gestation of about nine months (with delayed implantation in some species). Mothers nurse pups for days to weeks, after which the young become independent. Mates may be polygynous in many species.

Conservation status ranges from Least Concern to Endangered. Threats include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, bycatch in fisheries, entanglement in fishing gear, and hunting in some regions. International agreements and national protections contribute to recovery efforts for several seals.