Northern Fur Seal

Callorhinus ursinus

Northern Fur Seals are playful and friendly animals. They love to swim and can often be seen basking on rocks in the sun.

Habitat: Open ocean and rocky shorelines

Appearance

The Northern Fur Seal has a sleek body covered in a very dense, dark brown to black fur, often with a paler chest. Males are much larger and possess a thick, shaggy mane around their neck. They are visually distinct from 'true' seals by having small, visible external ear flaps and powerful, rotating hind flippers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyOtariidaeGenusCallorhinus

Northern Fur Seal

Interesting facts

Newborn pups weigh just 5-6 kg, but grow super fast!

Their whiskers are super sensitive, helping them find prey in the dark!

These amazing seals can turn their back flippers forward to walk on land!

They spend 80% of their life at sea, rarely coming to land!

Special abilities

Northern Fur Seals can swim incredibly fast and gracefully using their large, paddle-like front flippers.

Northern Fur Seals can dive over 200 meters deep to hunt for food because of their ability to hold their breath.

Northern Fur Seals have incredibly thick, soft fur that traps air, keeping them warm in icy ocean waters.

Northern Fur Seals can turn their hind flippers forward, which helps them walk and climb on rocky land.

Measurements & details

Length: 140-210 cm
Weight: 40-270 kg
Lifespan: 20-25 years
Top Speed: 27 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 350-365 days

Diet & Feeding

These agile hunters love to eat fish and squid, diving deep to find their meals in the ocean.

Primary Foods

Alaska Pollock
Pacific Herring
Capelin
Squid
Pacific Lamprey

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Orca

Orcinus orca

Apex predators that hunt seals.

eats

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Preys on pups on breeding islands.

eaten by

Alaska Pollock

Gadus chalcogrammus

A major food source for adult seals.

eaten by

Japanese Flying Squid

Todarodes pacificus

An important prey item for seals.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Whiskered

Look for animals with cool whiskers, which help them feel their way around and understand their world!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.