Monday, July 15, 2013

Seal Snouts



The National Zoo has introduced several new individuals into its pinniped exhibit, so now both harbor and grey seals glide with languorous strokes through the water and perform twirls and underwater spins for our and their amusement.

Among the many photos of these guys that I took this weekend are several that illustrate one of the main differences between grey and harbor seals. In short: grey seals have long noses, and harbor seals have snubbed ones.

For example, this is a grey seal:



And this is a harbor seal:



Grey seal:



Harbor seal:



See? Now you can tell them apart if you’re ever at a cocktail party with them.




{A note: I do write all text and take all pictures. Please do not reproduce either without my permission.}

8 comments:

Good Ol' Ant said...

If I were at a cocktail party with one (or the other), would they be likely to get a snootful? (Or is that "snoot full"?)

Olivia V. Ambrogio said...

If so, the grey seals would get more of one than the harbor seals!

Good Ol' Ant said...

Er...maybe I should have said "snoutful."

Good Ol' Ant said...

Thank you, Olivia, for letting me know which is the heavier drinker.

P. S. Some people of my acquaintance claim to be having trouble posting comments. Have you had many reports of such troubles?

Linda said...

I absolutely love this series of photos.

Olivia V. Ambrogio said...

Thanks so much!

Anca said...

Hi, there.

Anca said...

The first from me was a test. I want to express my delight at being able to tell one seal from another, although for how long I'll remember which is which remains to be seen.

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