Resting, Pupping and Moulting: The Importance of Getting Out of the Water for Seals

Even if they are marine mammals, seals have to return to land for some of their activities. Amphibious in nature, seals split their lives between land and sea, a lifestyle inherited from their ancestor, which was exclusively terrestrial. Pinnipeds mainly seek out places where they won’t be disturbed and with easy access to the water in the event of predation, whether it be to rest, mate, give birth or even moult. All of these activities are essential to its survival.

In spring, it is even more important for the seals to find quiet places to come out of the water. For example, on April 15 in the town of Cloridorme in the Gaspé Peninsula, the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network received a report on its 1-877-722-5346 emergency line for a harp seal lingering near the wharf. Since this is a popular place for a stroll, a volunteer went to the site to document the situation and raise awareness. Her videos and photos showed the male seal to be in good condition but undergoing an important stage in its annual cycle: moulting. Since this biological activity is very energy intensive, the volunteer put up a poster to educate the public on the importance of observing the seal from a safe distance so as not to disturb it.

Why moult?

Every year in early April, harp seals begin to moult. Adult males and juveniles (the latter known as “bedlamers”) moult first, followed by adult females around the third week of April. The moult lasts about four weeks, during which time the entire fur coat will fall off and be replaced with a new one.