3 Types of Seals in Alaska
3 types of seals have a verified observation record in Alaska. The most frequently recorded are Harbor Seal, Ringed Seal and Spotted Seal. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.
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3 types of seals have a verified observation record in Alaska. The most frequently recorded are Harbor Seal, Ringed Seal and Spotted Seal. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.
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Verified species, source iNaturalist
3 types of seals recorded in Alaska
3 seals species have a verified observation record in Alaska, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
| # | Species | Scientific name | Verified records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harbor Seal | Phoca vitulina | 2,223 |
| 2 | Ringed Seal | Pusa hispida | 56 |
| 3 | Spotted Seal | Phoca largha | 31 |
Plus 4 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
The Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) is the most commonly recorded, with 2,223 verified observations — about 96% of all seals reported in Alaska. If you spot a seal here, it is statistically most likely to be this one.
Alaska also hosts less common seals such as Ringed Seal and Spotted Seal, each recorded fewer than 100 times. These are the species worth a second look when you are out, since a sighting is more notable.