Age of Harbour Seals, Phoca vitulina concolor, wintering in southern New England

Abstract

Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) wintering in southern New England were aged using a known relationship between track-width and seal age. Ninety-five percent (N = 256) of the seals in Cape Cod, Massachusetts were determined to be juveniles and subadults (< 4 years). Juveniles (< 1 year) were likely underestimated by this method in this region. It is suggested that seasonal segregation of Harbour Seals throughout New England may result from age-related competition for hauling-out sites nearer the preferred pupping ledges and age-related differences in food requirements.