Harp+Seal

Harp Seal
In winter, harp seals can migrate as far south as Virginia and even over to Scotland, Germany and France. Female harp seals will give birth on the pack ice from mid-February to early March and will wean newborn pups for 12 days. During this time, breeding males will search out females and defend them from other males. Just after weaning in later March or early April, mating will occur. Gestation is approximately 11 months.
 * Phylum**: Chordata
 * Scientific Name**: //Phoca groenlandica//
 * Class**: Mammalia
 * Location**: Found in the pack ice regions of the North Atlantic Ocean and White Sea ranging from Newfoundland to northern Russia.
 * Size**: 300-400 pounds, 5.25 to 6.25 ft
 * Habitat**: Cold, cold, cold! Pack ice species and will follow the ice as it recedes north to summer feeding grounds.
 * Living Requirements**: They are carnivores, so they need meat to survive. The cold weather is mandatory, especially because of their coats.
 * Life Cycle**: 20 years
 * Male and Femal Differences**: There is little difference in size between male and female harp seals. Males will reach a maximum length of 6’3’’ and 310 pounds while females can reach 5’11” and weigh 290 pounds.
 * Interesting Facts**: These skilled swimmers do not spend a lot of time on land. They would prefer to swim the Arctic oceans.
 * Human Impact**: STOP THE SEAL CLUBBING

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