A "hair seal" is a marine mammal belonging to the family Phocidae, characterized by its presence of dense fur or hair covering its body. It is a term commonly used to refer to species such as the common seal, harbor seal or the grey seal, which are found in various regions across the globe, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. These seals are recognized by their sleek, elongated bodies that are well-adapted for swimming and diving. They exhibit varying lengths of fur, with some individuals having shorter hair and others displaying a longer coat.
Hair seals typically possess stocky torsos, short forelimbs, and webbed feet, enabling them to navigate effectively between land and water. Their hind flippers, used as powerful propellers, aid in swimming and maneuvering underwater. As their name suggests, these seals have a layer of dense hair or fur, which serves to insulate and protect them from cold waters, as well as provide buoyancy.
Hair seals primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates, employing their well-developed senses of sight, hearing, and touch to locate prey in the water. They are known for their exceptional diving abilities, capable of descending to significant depths in search of food, sometimes reaching around 200 meters below the surface.
These seals can be found in coastal habitats, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, ice floes, and occasionally even in estuaries or freshwater areas. They typically come ashore to rest, molt, give birth, and nurse their young, forming colonies or haulouts during these periods.
In summary, a hair seal is a marine mammal that features a dense covering of fur or hair, enabling it to survive in aquatic environments.
