Fur seals are any of nine species of pinnipeds belonging to the subfamily Arctocephalinae in the family Otariidae. They are much more closely related to sea lions than true seals, and share with them external ears , relatively long and muscular foreflippers, and the ability to walk on all fours.

Male northern fur seals can live up to 18 years, while females can live up to 27 years. Beginning in May, male seals start returning to the breeding islands. Adult males, or bulls, arrive first to occupy and defend prime breeding territories before the females arrive.

Adult male brown fur seals are dark gray to brown, with a darker mane of short, coarse hairs and a lighter belly, while adult females are light brown to gray, with a light throat and darker back and belly.

Fur seal, any of several eared seals of the family Otariidae valued for the quality of their fur. The northern fur seal is a migratory inhabitant of northern seas that is a gregarious, vocal animal prized for its chestnut-colored underfur.

May 21, 2021 · Northern fur seals are pelagic, spending most of their lives in the open ocean and only using certain offshore islands for pupping and breeding. They rarely come ashore except to breed or pup and are almost never seen on mainland beaches unless they are sick.

Male northern fur seals can reach maximum lengths of 6 feet 11inches and almost 600 pounds while females are slightly smaller with a maximum length 4 feet 11 inches and 130 pounds.

Fur seals are the smallest of the Antarctic seals. They have a slender, pointed muzzle, long external ears, and long vibrissae (whiskers). Adult males tend to be darker in color than females, which can be quite pale, even blonde or silvery-gray. Pups are very dark brown at birth.

Adult male Cape fur seals are 2–2.3 m long, average 247 kg in weight, and may reach 353 kg. Adult females are 120–160 cm long and weigh an average of 57 kg, with a maximum of 107 kg. Pups are born around 6 kg and are 60–70 cm long.

Male fur seals grow to a much larger size than the females, which is also typical of other eared seals, such as sea lions. Mature males can reach a weight of 400 pounds, and their coats range from silver to olive gray with brown undersides.

It’s fairly easy to tell the difference between male and female fur seals: Males are much larger than females. A bull can weigh almost 600 pounds and has a very thick neck and mane. In breeding season, adult males won’t eat and can lose up to 20% of their body weight.