The harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) also referred to as
the Saddleback seal is of the order Carnivora and the family Phocidae. They are
native to the northern Atlantic and the Artic
Oceans and regularly migrate
thousands of miles to breed.
Features of the harp seal include a black face and white fur
at birth which becomes silver gray as they mature with a layer of blubber
underneath. The blubber is used in conjunction with metabolic processes to
regulate body temperature. They use flippers for swimming and have great
hearing, visions and smelling abilities. Harp seals use their range of sense
for hunting, defense and parenting.
Seals have two main predators: polar bears and humans. Seal
hunting remains a profitable business. Canada,
Greenland, Norway
and Russia all
take part in commercial seal hunting. Here are limits on the amount of seal
that can be hunted each year and the harp seal population remains off the
endangered species list.