Assistant Lighthouse Keepers 8/1 - Harbor Seals on Thacher Island

Harbor Seals on Thacher Island

We had been told that we'd eventually see the seals around Thacher Island.  One day, Scotty and I went for a walk and decided to get into the water.  This isn't an easy task as the island is surrounded by huge rocks, and very often in the shrubbery leading to the water are huge patches of poison ivy.  We found a spot and got down to the water, which is pretty cold, by the way.  It turned out to be a fun excursion as a seal appeared to be playing games with us.  He'd pop his head up and look at us, then swim to another spot and pop up.

Throughout the week, we would spot the seals sunning themselves on the rocks.  Most often, they were on the rocks to the north of the boat launch.  And on our last day, on Friday there was a huge group of seals.  I'm sure they were there to say 'It was nice having you this week.  We'll see you next year!"

Yes, I do have more photos of seals.

Apparently, I can not have enough photos of seals.

Enjoy my photos of seals!!

Harbor seals are the most common seal species found in this area.  They are frequently seen swimming far out to sea or sunning themselves on the rocks in Gloucester harbor or around Thacher Island or on rock groupings farther out in the ocean.

Harbor Seals are medium-sized seals with the males reaching lengths of just over 6 feet and weighing up to 370 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, reaching lengths of about 5.5 feet and weighing 290 pounds.

The fur of their coats is highly viable in appearance. Some Harbor seals have very mottled coats with lots of spotting, while others have coats that are more evenly colored with only a handful of darker spots or rings.  Some individuals are very dark gray (almost black), while others are blonde in appearance. 

Harbor Seals are told from their larger cousins, the Gray seals, by their smaller size, and by the “puppy-dog-like” appearance to their heads which results from them having a concaved forehead. This means that they have a clearly defined muzzle and forehead, much like a dog does. The Gray seal, by comparison, has a much flatter, “horse-head” like appearance with no clear separation between forehead and muzzle.