Our group boarded the Sea Hawk in hopes of finding all the types of wildlife that inhabit our diverse seas! Even though the resident killer whales swam so far north that we were unable to reach them, we were able to encounter some of the other jewels of the Salish Sea. We travelled to the infamous Spieden Island where guests spotted a whole host of harbor seals and bald eagles.
Friday Harbor is home to a famous harbor seal named Popeye; she is frequently found in the water surrounding the fish market, where she is able to scavenge ample leftovers. Although federal law prohibits feeding marine mammals, she takes full advantage of the unknowing and always manages to get some scraps! In fact, she has been fed so well that there is speculation that she has given birth to twins!
When harbor seals give birth, otherwise known as pupping, the mother must come on land. She will stay with her pups for approximately 3-4 weeks until leaving the pups on their own. Females are actually capable of engaging in breeding behaviors right after birth due to their delayed implantation. Delayed implantation for harbor seals means that they will not become pregnant for approximately 3 months later.
Harbor Seal