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)