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NORTHERN FUR SEAL

Callorhinus ursinus

NORTHERN FUR SEALS FROLIC IN MONTEREY BAY'S COOL CURRENTS.

Similar to Elephant Seals, Fur Seals also spend most of their time at sea and travel back to offshore islands only during the breeding season. Fur Seals are easily distinguished from Sea Lions by their long flippers, whiskers, and ears. They are frequently sighted at sea off Monterey during the fall, winter, and spring. At sea, they are usually found alone resting in their distinctive “jug handle” position, with their hind flipper and fore flipper curled up together.


Diet

Open Ocean Fish and Squid

Population Status | Monterey

Vulnerable

Legal Protection

Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Marine Protected Area Act

Threats

Biotoxin (Algal Blooms), Disease, Human Related Loss (Habitat Loss, Climate Change, Disturbance, Entanglement, Harassment, Oil Spills, Pollution, Boat Strikes, Collisions)

Size

5ft (Female)
7ft (Male)

Weight

140 lb (Female)
600 lb (Male)