Where do harbor seals live?

Harbor seals live on the northern coastlines of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and in Arctic regions. Though they spend most of their time in the water, they often search for food along the coast, near the mouths of freshwater rivers and on island beaches and reefs.

Harbor seals prefer to spend their time in the water, but must have access to land so they can breed and give birth. They habitually return to the same spot, considering it to be their territory. Staying close to land also provides harbor seals a means to escape predators. Though they may share a breeding ground, adults are very solitary animals and rarely interact with each other.