Northern fur seals are named for their two thick fur coats. They have up to 300,000 hairs per square inch—that’s more than any other mammal!
Big Guys vs. Small Gals
Males are way bigger than females. A full-grown male can be almost 7 feet long and weigh 600 pounds, while females are about 5 feet and only 130 pounds.
Ocean Sleepers
These seals sleep in the water in a special “jug-handle” pose—floating with one flipper and a back leg in the air. Cozy and clever!
Land Runners
Unlike true seals, fur seals can walk on land by rotating their hind flippers. They also have external ear flaps just like sea lions!
Northern Fur Seal Quiz
What makes the fur of a northern fur seal so special?
Northern fur seals have the thickest fur of any marine mammal, with up to 300,000 hairs per square inch!
What’s the size difference between male and female northern fur seals?
Males can be nearly 7 feet long and weigh up to 600 pounds—several times larger than females.
How do northern fur seals sleep while out at sea?
They rest in a pose called 'jughandling'—floating with one flipper and a rear flipper sticking out of the water.
How do northern fur seals move on land?
Unlike true seals, northern fur seals can rotate their hind flippers forward and walk on land!
What color are northern fur seal pups when they are born?
Pups are born with dark brown or black fur and grow a silver coat later on.
