Northern Fur Sealキタオットセイ

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Otariidae Source

Size

Body length: males up to about 210 cm, females up to about 150 cm

Weight

Males 180–270 kg, females around 50 kg

Lifespan

Males about 15 years / females about 30 years

Diet

Piscivore Piscivorous, hunting alone for walleye pollock, lanternfish, anchovies, squid, and similar prey

Distribution

Ranges across the North Pacific, Bering Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk from southern Japan to Baja California; an estimated 1.1 million individuals exist, with roughly half breeding on Alaska's Pribilof Islands. Source

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

• Males exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, growing 4.5 times heavier than females and developing a mane-like ruff of fur around the neck during the breeding season. Source
• The 1911 North Pacific Fur Seal Convention is regarded as the first international treaty aimed at wildlife conservation. Source
• With the exception of the San Miguel Island population, northern fur seals migrate long distances south for the winter. Source

FAQ

Why is the northern fur seal considered Vulnerable?

Despite international protection since the early 20th century, its main breeding population on the Pribilof Islands has declined roughly 50% in pup production since the 1970s, and the causes remain debated among researchers. Source

How different in size are male and female northern fur seals?

Males are dramatically larger, reaching up to 270 kg compared to roughly 50 kg for females — one of the most extreme size differences among seals. Source

What international agreement helped protect northern fur seals?

The 1911 North Pacific Fur Seal Convention, the first international wildlife conservation treaty, restricted commercial hunting, and commercial harvesting was banned entirely by 1985. Source

How many operating facilities are registered here?

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 3 Source

Books & gear

• Northern Fur Seal book
• binoculars