Harp Seals (Phoca groenlandica): Harp seals are an extrordinary type of seal and received their name for their harp shaped mark on the backs of the adult harp seal, usually in the colour of a blue or pale grey.





The adult fur is similar as to other kinds of seals and are of a brown, grey colour with dark patches of black and other shades of brown. The pups on the other hand, have white, curly wool fur. These pups have this fur for about 1 - 1/2 weeks.








The average adult can weigh up to 135kg and be 170cm in length. These mammals can swim with great ability and yet can lay on shorelines. Using their rear flippers to swim as well as their front flippers, these seals are able to control direction and steer themselves easily. Provided with a thick layer of blubber, these seals live in the arctic areas of the world. Harp seals are the third most abundant seal in the world today and its population is about 4 million. They can be found around the Northen parts of Ireland and in the Northwest Atlantic. During the summer, they migrate and settle around Greenland and the eastern arctic islands.

Harp seals eat marine fish as well as curstacea, euphausiids, mysids, amphipods and shrimp. Their favourite however is the polar cod. Due to the large appetite of the harp seals, they can obtain as much fish as a Norwegian fisherman could each day.

A harp seal pup


The baby harp seal has been a very famous seal for a long time. Their unique, white, flawless fur as well as their large black eyes draw much attention and although their white colour helps blend them in the snow, these striking characteristics can put them in danger from hunters.

Cry The Innocent -
pictures of seal hunting


At one point, hunting was a problem and yet still remains a problem. It was banned in certain areas and it was due to the fear of harp seals becoming endangered. Today, the population of harp seals is increasing while the amount of fish is declining. The population levels of these particular seals has also begun to bring more and more problems and they have been know for having "seal invasions" which cause damage to shores and docks. It is believed that the cause of these invasions is due to food migration. With this problem and more, the question is "What should we do?" Norway today still allows the harp seals to be hunted over the age of one and should that be allowed everywhere? Seal hunting is a traditional means of living and is the job of many people. Should this be banned forever and not brought back or should it be taken in consideration that the world is changing and the population of these animals is getting out of hand?


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