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Project Noah Nature School
Phoca vitulina
Black and white seal. This was the only one this color. "Common seals are brown, tan, or gray, with distinctive V-shaped nostrils. An adult can attain a length of 1.85 meters (6.1 ft) and a mass of 132 kilograms (290 lb). Females outlive males (30–35 years versus 20–25 years). A fatty tissue layer called blubber is present under their skins and helps to maintain body temperature." - Wikipedia
Beach in La Jolla
"In California, breeding occurs from March to May, and pupping between April and May, depending on local populations. There is no indication this species has territorial characteristics in water, and it definitely displays none on land. As top level feeders in the kelp forest, common seals enhance species diversity and productivity. They are preyed upon by orcas and white sharks." - Wikipedia
Hi Xiaoxuan and thank you for the suggestion. Unfortunately the Gray Seal is found in the Atlantic, not the Pacific. :)
Spotted on May 4, 2012
Submitted on May 5, 2012
