The Phocidae account for 90% of all pinnipeds worldwide. They are often referred to as “true seals” and are characterized by having no external ear flaps, having fur on all flipper surfaces, and small, sharp nails on the front and rear digits. They cannot tuck their rear flippers under their bodies for walking as the sea lions do. They move on land by scooting and in the water the rear flippers move side to side, pushing the animal through the water.
The Phocidae are distributed around the world and in many habitats. The smallest pinniped, weighing up to 200 lbs, is the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica), which is found in Lake Baikal, Russia. This is the only freshwater seal. The largest pinniped is the Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), which is found in Antarctica and weighs up to 11,000 lbs. Worldwide there are 13 genera and 18 species in the family Phocidae. Many are associated with the Arctic and Antarctic.
Coastal California is home to two phocid species; the Pacific Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and the Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) and both are routinely admitted to MMCC for injury, illness or malnutrition. Adult Northern elephant seals are rarely observed on Southern California beaches and are rarely admitted for rehabilitation. Adult Harbor seals are also rarely admitted for rehabilitation. Unlike sea lions, the Northern elephant seal and the Pacific Harbor seal have short lactation periods of only about 30 days before the pups are weaned.