Harbor Seal vs. Walrus

Attribute	Harbor Seal	Walrus
Scientific Name	Phoca vitulina	Odobenus rosmarus
Size	Up to 6 feet	Up to 12 feet
Weight	Up to 300 pounds	Up to 3700 pounds
Habitat	Coastal waters	Arctic and subarctic regions
Diet	Primarily fish	Clams, mussels, and other invertebrates

Physical Characteristics

Harbor seals and walruses are both marine mammals that belong to the pinniped group, which also includes sea lions and fur seals. However, they have distinct physical characteristics that set them apart. Harbor seals are smaller in size, typically measuring around 5 to 6 feet in length and weighing between 150 to 300 pounds. They have a sleek, torpedo-shaped body with short flippers and a rounded head. In contrast, walruses are much larger, with males reaching lengths of up to 12 feet and weighing over 3,000 pounds. They have long tusks, which can grow up to 3 feet in length, and a thick layer of blubber to insulate them in cold waters.

Habitat and Distribution

Harbor seals are found in coastal waters of the northern hemisphere, including the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They prefer to inhabit rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, and sheltered bays where they can haul out and rest. Walruses, on the other hand, are typically found in the Arctic regions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They prefer shallow waters near ice floes where they can dive for clams, mussels, and other bottom-dwelling prey. Both species are well adapted to their cold-water environments, with thick layers of blubber to keep them warm.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Harbor seals and walruses have different diets and feeding behaviors. Harbor seals primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans, which they hunt by stealthily approaching their prey underwater. They are known for their agility and speed in the water, allowing them to catch fast-moving fish. In contrast, walruses are specialized feeders that primarily consume benthic invertebrates such as clams, mussels, and snails. They use their sensitive whiskers to detect prey on the ocean floor and use their tusks to create holes in the ice to access their food.

Social Structure and Behavior

Harbor seals and walruses also exhibit different social structures and behaviors. Harbor seals are typically solitary animals, although they may form small groups when hauling out on land. They communicate through vocalizations and body language, such as head bobbing and flipper waving. Walruses, on the other hand, are more social animals that form large herds, especially during the breeding season. They are known for their loud vocalizations, which can be heard from a distance, and their playful behavior, such as body surfing in the waves.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Reproduction and the life cycle of harbor seals and walruses also differ. Harbor seals give birth to a single pup each year, typically on land or ice floes. The pups are born with a white, fluffy coat called lanugo, which they shed after a few weeks. The mother nurses her pup for several weeks before it is weaned and learns to hunt on its own. In contrast, walruses have a longer gestation period and give birth to a single calf every 2 to 3 years. The calves are born in the water and are able to swim shortly after birth. They are nursed by their mothers for up to 2 years before becoming independent.

Conservation Status

Both harbor seals and walruses face threats to their populations due to human activities and environmental changes. Harbor seals are vulnerable to habitat loss, pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear. They are also susceptible to diseases such as phocine distemper virus, which can cause mass die-offs. Walruses are threatened by climate change, which is causing the loss of sea ice in their Arctic habitats. This loss of ice makes it more difficult for walruses to find food and safe resting areas. Conservation efforts are underway to protect both species and their habitats.