Harbour seals are quite common here in Faxaflói and are often seen poking their heads out of the water close to the few small islands just off Reykjavík that are inhabited puffins in the summer. They tend to stick to familiar resting spots near rocky areas where they are protected from adverse weather conditions and safe from the threats of bigger animals.
They are most commonly brown or gray in colour with each indicidual sporting unique spots and patterns on their body. Their nostrils are a distinct v-shape and oddly enough, they don't have ear flaps, only an ear canal that is visible behind the eyes. As they live in cold climates, it is vital to have a thick layer of blubber (fat tissue) under the skin to regulate and maintain good body temperature. An adult male can reach up to 185 cm. in lenght and weigh up to 168 kg. where as the females are smaller. Estimated population is 350.000 - 500.000 animals, globally.
Photo taken by naturalist Rodrigo on our morning puffin tour on 6 May 2019.
Read more about the harbour seal here: elding.is/harbour-seal