Northern Fur Seal - Sierra Club BC
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Northern Fur Seal

CAN BE FOUND IN:

Northern Fur Seal

Callorhinus ursinus

Appearance

Northern fur seals are easily recognized by their thick, luxurious fur which is one of the densest in the animal kingdom. Their dark brown coats appear almost black when wet, and males are much larger than females, reaching up to 2 metres long and weighing over 250 kilograms. They have long front flippers, small external ear flaps, and a pointed snout with large eyes adapted for seeing underwater. 

range & habitat

Northern fur seals live throughout the North Pacific Ocean, from Japan to California, and as far north as the Bering Sea. They spend most of the year at sea, returning to rocky islands to breed. In British Columbia, they are occasionally spotted offshore or on remote coastal islands, especially around Haida Gwaii and the north coast. 

reciprocal relationships

Northern fur seals are the most solitary of any seal in British Columbia. When on land, these seals are known for aggressive behavior, especially during the pupping season. These seals play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. These migratory seals primarily live in the open ocean. As predators, they feed on a variety of fish and squid, helping to balance prey populations and support oceanic food webs. Their movements also cycle nutrients between deep and surface waters, contributing to the productivity of the ocean. 

Today, northern fur seals face threats from entanglement in fishing gear, competition for prey due to industrial fisheries, and climate-related changes that affect ocean currents and prey availability. Reducing ocean pollution, protecting critical feeding areas, and supporting Indigenous-led stewardship are all part of ensuring their continued survival.  

Status

COSEWIC: Threatened 
CDC: Blue 

more information

If you belong to a First Nation with a story or piece of information not represented here and you would like to share more about this species, please email us at education@sierraclub.bc.ca

Photo Credit

Canva

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