Animal Guide

Western Atlantic Harbour Seal

7 destinations · 5 states

Native Range: Western North Atlantic coastlines

The Western Atlantic harbour seal is easy to underestimate when it is resting on a haul-out platform. In the water, the same animal becomes remarkably agile, twisting and accelerating with movements that are difficult to appreciate from land. Watch for a seal gliding along the bottom before making a quick turn toward a fish or another object of interest. Its whiskers are particularly worth noticing. They can sense vibrations and water movement, helping the seal detect prey even when the water is cloudy or dark. Harbour seals also have large, expressive eyes and can close their nostrils while diving, allowing them to stay underwater as they explore. On land, they use a rolling, wriggling motion that looks awkward compared with their effortless swimming. Wild harbour seals haul out on rocks, sandbars, beaches, and coastal islands along the western North Atlantic. In an aquarium, a seal swimming directly toward the glass gives you a chance to see the whiskers working as the animal investigates its surroundings. Keep watching after it passes. A quick change of direction can show how much control this seemingly relaxed swimmer has underwater.

Western Atlantic Harbour Seal

Where to see Western Atlantic Harbour Seal

7 destinations across 5 states

7 destinations

Buttonwood Park Zoo

New Bedford, MA

Long Island Aquarium

Riverhead, NY

Los Angeles Zoo

Los Angeles, CA

Mystic Aquarium

Mystic, CT

New England Aquarium

Boston, MA

New York Aquarium

Brooklyn, NY

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Virginia Beach, VA

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