A Pacific harbor seal hauls out on a rock. This group of harbor seals, which has formed a breeding colony at a small but popular beach near San Diego, is at the center of considerable controversy. While harbor seals are protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other legislation, local interests would like to see the seals leave so that people can resume using the beach.
Species: Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardsi
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 03011
A young Pacific Harbor Seal pup nursing. Mother harbor seals will only nurse their pups for about four to six weeks, at which point the small seal is weaned and must begin to forage and fend for itself. That short period of time is crucial for the young seal to learn how to hunt, socialize and swim.
Species: Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardsi
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 39127
Pacific Harbor Seal Pup in La Jolla About Three Weeks Old, hauled out on a white sand beach along the coast of San Diego. This young seal will be weaned off its mothers milk and care when it is about four to six weeks old, and before that time it must learn how to forage for food on its own, a very difficult time for a young seal.
Species: Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardsi
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 39128
Pacific Harbor Seal Pup in La Jolla About Three Weeks Old, hauled out on a white sand beach along the coast of San Diego. This young seal will be weaned off its mothers milk and care when it is about four to six weeks old, and before that time it must learn how to forage for food on its own, a very difficult time for a young seal.
Species: Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardsi
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 39131
Young Pacific harbor seal pup, only a few days old. This pup will remain with its mother for only about six weeks, at which time it will be weaned and must forage for its own food.
Species: Pacific Harbor Seal, Phoca vitulina richardsi
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40206
Young Pacific harbor seal pup, only a few days old, in surf at the edge of the ocean. This pup will remain with its mother for only about six weeks, at which time it will be weaned and must forage for its own food.
Species: Pacific Harbor Seal, Phoca vitulina richardsi
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40225
Young Pacific harbor seal pup, only a few days old. This pup will remain with its mother for only about six weeks, at which time it will be weaned and must forage for its own food.
Species: Pacific Harbor Seal, Phoca vitulina richardsi
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40228
Young Pacific harbor seal pup, only a few days old. This pup will remain with its mother for only about six weeks, at which time it will be weaned and must forage for its own food.
Species: Pacific Harbor Seal, Phoca vitulina richardsi
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40229