Mammals in the Sea

I spotted a couple of harbour seals swimming around in the waves at sunset. Unless they’re lying on a log or rocky shore somewhere, they’re challenging to photograph because they’re excellent swimmers who spend a lot of time underwater hunting and foraging for all manner of seafood.

A Coast Salish people's story tells the tale of two brothers who use sealskin magic to become better hunters and afterwards transformed into killer whales. Seals were an important resource for these pre-colonization societies that inhabited this area. They used them for food and clothing, as well as other aspects of subsistence and culture.

The pair of seals I spotted across the water looked excited about something and dove beneath the surface several times. One of them remained above while the other dove back into the submarine depths. They can stay below the surface for up to ten minutes and then need to do some “bottling” on the surface to replenish the fresh air.

They truly are the dogs of the sea with their smooth round puppy heads (no ears) and curious behaviour as they float observing the scene around them. Their whiskers are sensitive and use them to detect pray.

The one on the surface was keenly observing something, though exactly what I could not discern.

They’re a common sight along the coast and one of the coolest residents around these parts. For the most part, they’re not aggressive, as long as you keep your distance, and quietly give up the fish if you have any :)

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