RIBBON SEAL 



Species and wSubspecies of the Genus Phoca 



Subgenus Phoca 



Atlantic Harbor Seal. — Phoca vitulina concolor (DeKay). 



As described. Found from the Carolinas north along 



Atlantic coast into the Arctic Ocean. 

 Pacific Harbor Seal. — Phoca richardii richardii (Gray). 



ResemlDling the Atlantic Harbor Seal but characterized by 



slightly different skull characters. Found on Pacific coast 



from Oregon north to the Pribilof Islands of Alaska. 

 Pribilof Harbor Seal.— P //oca richardii pribilof ensis Allen. 



Differing from typical richardii in having weaker dentition. 



Found about the Pribilof Islands. 

 California Harbor Seal. — Phoca richardii geronimensis Allen. 



Larger than typical richardii and with heavier dentition. 



Found along coast from Oregon south into Mexico. 

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The Harbor Seal is the common, small Seal found in suit- 

 able localities along either coast. In addition to the character 

 of small size, the spotted color pattern is an aid inidentification. 



This Seal takes its name from its preference for the coast- 

 line, being found about bays, harbors, mouths of rivers, and 

 sand-bars. It does not go far from land nor migrate like some 

 of the other Seals. It may be seen in small herds, but never 

 in large rookeries. The young are born in early Spring. 



Subgenus Histriophoca 



Ribbon Seal. — Phoca fasciata Zimmerman 



About the size of the Harbor Seal and like it in external 

 build, but color pattern quite different. Pelage brown marked 



Fig. 40. Ribbon Seal 

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