Open water grouping behaviour in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) of the Salish Sea
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Abstract
Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) commonly form larger congregations at haul out locations during times of rest and pupping season, but are generally thought to be solitary at sea. Occasionally larger clusters of individuals may be observed swimming near haul out sites, forced bottlenecking channels or mouths of rivers with concentrated prey and restricted space. Recently, isolated occurrences of mass gatherings of harbour seals have been observed in the Salish Sea that were distanced from haul out sites (over 1 km away) or forced bottlenecking regions. In April-June (but primarily May) 2019–2021 juvenile and adult harbour seals in Burrows Pass (Anacortes, WA, USA) were observed in large groups (
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 2299 | 418 | 78 |
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Open water grouping behaviour in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) of the Salish Sea
In: BehaviourSearch for other papers by Cindy R. Elliser in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by David Anderson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Trevor Derie in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Katrina MacIver in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Pierce College, 9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
Search for other papers by Laurie Shuster in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) commonly form larger congregations at haul out locations during times of rest and pupping season, but are generally thought to be solitary at sea. Occasionally larger clusters of individuals may be observed swimming near haul out sites, forced bottlenecking channels or mouths of rivers with concentrated prey and restricted space. Recently, isolated occurrences of mass gatherings of harbour seals have been observed in the Salish Sea that were distanced from haul out sites (over 1 km away) or forced bottlenecking regions. In April-June (but primarily May) 2019–2021 juvenile and adult harbour seals in Burrows Pass (Anacortes, WA, USA) were observed in large groups (
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 2299 | 418 | 78 |
| Full Text Views | 63 | 12 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 134 | 27 | 3 |
