Seals are marine mammals found globally in coastal and polar regions, often resting on beaches and rocks. Their unique adaptations to cold aquatic environments lead to curiosity about their physical texture. However, approaching or touching wild seals is prohibited by law due to regulations protecting marine mammals and the inherent danger to both humans and the animals.
The Surface Sensation
The outermost layer of a seal is a dense coat of fur, which is different from the soft fur of many terrestrial animals. This coat is made up of coarse guard hairs overlying finer, denser underhairs, providing a high number of hairs per square inch. When dry, the fur feels remarkably thick and may resemble a short, wiry velvet.
The texture changes dramatically once the seal enters the water. Glands in the skin secrete natural oils that coat the hairs, contributing to waterproofing and insulation. A wet seal’s coat feels slick, smooth, and almost oily because of this protective layer. This oiliness gives the seal a streamlined, slippery sensation.
Beneath the Surface
Underneath the skin and fur lies blubber, a specialized layer of fat that provides the primary thermal insulation for these marine mammals. Unlike the soft feeling of human body fat, the blubber layer gives a seal’s body firmness and density. This structural layer is composed of vascularized adipose tissue, which also serves as an energy reserve and aids in buoyancy.
Blubber thickness varies depending on the species, age, season, and nutritional status. For example, in harbor seals, the blubber can average around 2.4 centimeters deep, fluctuating over the year. This thick, firm layer covers most of the body, except for the flippers and head, which are areas of heat loss. The blubber contributes to a feeling of compactness and muscularity beneath the outer skin.
Encountering Seals Safely
Seals must always be observed from a safe and respectful distance. Regulations often require people to remain at least 50 yards (or meters) away from seals resting on land or in the water. Approaching too closely can cause significant stress, forcing the animal to flee into the water and potentially abandon a pup.
Seals possess powerful jaws, and their bites can transmit a severe bacterial infection known as “seal finger.” Never attempt to touch, feed, or pour water on a seal, as these actions are illegal and detrimental to the animal’s well-being. If a seal appears to be injured, sick, or stranded, contact local wildlife rescue organizations or authorities immediately. Providing space and minimizing disturbance is the most responsible way to interact with these marine predators.