HARBOR SEAL 



Phoca vitulina. 



Also called the "common'' seal, this is the best known represen- 

 tative of the true seal family and is found along our north Atlantic 

 shores as far south as New Jersey, while a closely related species 

 frequents the Pacific coast south to California. The family is also 

 designated by the term "earless" seals, since the absence of an ex- 

 ternal ear distinguishes it from the eared seals, but other marks of 

 difference are seen in the shorter neck and the hind-flippers, which 

 are always bent backward. As a result of this last peculiarity, this 

 group are more clumsy on land, being compelled to make their way 

 by a wriggling motion of the whole frame and, while often seen 

 just out of the water upon the sand or rocks, usually remain near 

 their natural element. 



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