common seal

[Marionaduant]

small spotted seal of coastal waters of the northern hemisphere

[Gonzalesalix 0]

The harbor (or harbour) seal (Phoca vitulina), also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. The most widely distributed species of pinniped (walruses, eared seals, and true seals), they are found in coastal waters of the northern Atlantic, Pacific Oceans, Baltic and North Seas.
Harbor seals are brown, silvery white, tan, or gray, with distinctive V-shaped nostrils. An adult can attain a length of 1.85 m (6.1 ft) and a mass of up to 168 kg (370 lb). Blubber under the seals skin helps to maintain body temperature. Females outlive males (30–35 years versus 20–25 years). Harbor seals stick to familiar resting spots or haulout sites, generally rocky areas (although ice, sand, and mud may also be used) where they are protected from adverse weather conditions and predation, near a foraging area. Males may fight over mates under water and on land. Females bear a single pup after a nine-month gestation, which they care for alone. Pups can weigh up to 16 kg (35 lb) and are able to swim and dive within hours of birth. They develop quickly on their mothers fat-rich milk, and are weaned after four to six weeks.
The global population of harbor seals is 350,000–500,000, but the freshwater subspecies Ungava Seal in Northern Quebec is endangered. Once a common practice, sealing is now illegal in many nations within the animals range.

[Becky]

A common seal, also known as corporate seal or company seal, is a distinctive mark or stamp used by an organization, usually a corporation or a body corporate, for signing official documents. This seal signifies the organizations identity and consent, and is affixed to documents like agreements, contracts or deeds to make them legally enforceable. The design typically includes the companys name and incorporation date.