Harp seals are marine mammals inhabiting the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. They are generally not considered dangerous to humans, typically exhibiting timid and shy behaviors and avoiding contact. However, like all wild animals, they can act defensively if threatened or cornered.
Understanding Harp Seal Behavior
Harp seals spend most of their lives in the ocean, migrating extensively between feeding and breeding grounds. They are found across the North Atlantic and Arctic, with distinct populations in areas like the Barents Sea, East Coast of Greenland, and Northwest Atlantic. These animals are agile swimmers, capable of diving to depths of up to 1,300 feet and remaining submerged for about 16 minutes while foraging.
The diet of harp seals is diverse, consisting of over 130 species of fish and invertebrates. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming what is available, with common prey including capelin, Arctic cod, polar cod, krill, and shrimp. Adults typically measure 5 to 6 feet in length and weigh between 260 to 300 pounds, possessing a robust body and a small, flat head.
While largely solitary outside of specific periods, harp seals congregate in large groups, sometimes thousands strong, during breeding and molting seasons on pack ice. Despite these large gatherings, a defined social hierarchy is not consistently observed. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, especially underwater, using sounds like clicks, trills, and growls.
Natural predators of harp seals include polar bears, killer whales, Greenland sharks, and walruses. Young pups are additionally susceptible to predation by foxes and wolves. Harp seals primarily rely on their speed and agility in water to evade these predators.
Harp Seals and Human Interaction
Encounters between harp seals and humans are generally infrequent. Aggressive behavior from a harp seal towards a human is rare and typically occurs when the animal feels threatened or provoked.
A harp seal can bite if it perceives a direct threat, such as being cornered or approached too closely. Pups, despite their appearance, possess sharp claws and teeth, and mothers are protective of their young. Interactions with seals can also carry a risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases.
Observing harp seals from a respectful distance is recommended to ensure both human safety and the well-being of the animals. It is important to avoid approaching them, attempting to touch them, or otherwise disturbing their natural behavior. This is particularly true during pupping season, as human disturbance can cause mothers to flush from the ice, reducing critical nursing time for their vulnerable pups.