Humorous Harbor Seals

Did you know that we have seals here in Rhode Island?  Even a lot of Rhode Islanders are not aware that harbor seals that normally live in along the coast of Maine and Canada during the rest of the year, come to Narragansett Bay for the winter.  While the folks here think the winter water temperatures are pretty darn chilly, it's all relative when compared to Canada. Even though harbor seals have a layer of blubber to help maintain body temperature, they must think they have something to gain by making the trip.  And it's probably not all the excited hellos from Rhode Islanders who take harbor tours just to see them.

Source:  Wikipedia

Harbor seals can have various colors of brown to gray bodies, but each has a unique pattern of spots to complete their furry outfits.  They can be up to 6 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds.  Just as in human society, females generally live longer than males.  Their diet is mainly fish, but an occasional shrimp cocktail or crab salad is also on the menu.  Their affinity for congregating in harbors is where they get their name.

Rhode Islanders can also see the occasional grey seal...

Source:  Wikipedia

hooded seal....

Source:  Wikipedia

or, more rarely, a harp seal.

Photo by Brian Skerry  Source:  National Geographic

(photo NOT taken in Rhode Island!)

One of these days I hope I'm one of those people on a seal watch tour.  Maybe this season.  For a couple of videos taken right here in Rhode Island, click here and here.