Resting and Birthing Areas

Harbor seals do not migrate great distances. They use secluded beaches and remote rocky areas along the ocean shoreline and within bays and estuaries from Japan to Russia, Alaska to Baja, the Canadian Arctic to South Carolina, and from Iceland to France. They can often be found in the same locations year round, with seasonal movements in northern latitudes. They are the most shy and wary of local seal species, and are easily startled by motion or noise.

The images at the right have been provided by "seal watchers" from many locations. They often required the use of a telephoto lens or an approach from a hidden access point to avoid interference. Images have credit listed in the [ info ] tag and a [ link ] to the provider's webspace if not a SealWatch.org photo.

In most close-up pictures of harbor seals, at least one is looking at the camera, likely serving as a sentinel. The first sign of disturbance is a "heads up" alert by several seals, followed by flight into the water by the individuals most alarmed. In worst cases, the entire group leaves.