How long is a harbor seal?
A harbor seal is about 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in) long.
Size source: fisheries.noaa.gov
Compared with things you know
- About 7.1 times the width of a basketball (24 cm)
- About the same length as an adult bicycle (1.75 m)
- About 38% as long as a family car (4.5 m)
Harbor seal dimensions
Harbor seal length by sex[1][2][3]
| Adult male | 1.6–1.9 m (5 ft 3 in – 6 ft 3 in) |
|---|---|
| Adult female | 1.6–1.7 m (5 ft 3 in – 5 ft 7 in) |
| Adults (Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game) | 1.5–1.8 m (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 11 in)5 to 6 ft |
How long a harbor seal is
NOAA Fisheries says harbor seals measure up to 6 feet in length and weigh up to 285 pounds. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game gives five to six feet (1.5 to 1.8 m). Wikipedia says that, including the head and flippers, they may reach an adult length of 1.85 m (6.1 ft). The Alaska agency puts average adult weight at about 82 kg, and up to 129 kg (285 lb).[1][3][4]
Why sizes vary
NOAA says males are slightly larger than females, and that seals in Alaska and the Pacific Ocean are generally larger than those in the Atlantic. Animal Diversity Web gives 160 to 190 cm for adult males and 160 to 170 cm for females. Pups weigh about 24 pounds (11 kg) at birth and are ready to swim within minutes.[1][2][3]
Did you know?
Harbor seal pups can dive for up to 2 minutes when they are only 2 to 3 days old.
Questions people ask
How long is a harbor seal?
An adult harbor seal is about 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 ft) long. Wikipedia gives up to 1.85 m (6.1 ft), counting head and flippers.[3][4]
Are male harbor seals bigger than females?
Slightly. Animal Diversity Web gives 160 to 190 cm for males and 160 to 170 cm for females.[1][2]
How heavy is a harbor seal?
Adults average about 82 kg (180 lb) and can reach 129 kg (285 lb), according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. A pup weighs about 11 kg (24 lb) at birth.[3]
Sources
- Harbor Seal - NOAA Fisheries fisheries.noaa.gov
- Phoca vitulina (harbor seal) - Animal Diversity Web animaldiversity.org
- Harbor Seal Species Profile - Alaska Department of Fish and Game adfg.alaska.gov
- Harbor seal - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
More sizes
Llama1.75 m · 5 ft 9 in tall
Thoroughbred horse1.63 m · 5 ft 4 in tall at the shoulder
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Hippopotamus1.5 m · 4 ft 11 in tall at the shoulder
Holstein cow1.5 m · 4 ft 11 in tall
Mute swan1.5 m · 4 ft 11 in long