Perhaps I am just imagining, but the seals that were at Brace Cove several mornings ago appear to have a much different pattern of spots on their coats than the Harbor Seals we typically see hauled out on the rocks. I know that Harp Seals are also seen in our area at this time of year and read that the juveniles molt in interesting patterns. The two pinnipeds on the far right have very large irregular patches and the seal on the left seemed half the size of the other three with an almost pointed snout. Is it a different species or a young seal I wonder? Looking at several sources to id and I am still puzzled. Would love to hear from our readers. Thank you so much!
Good Morning Gloucester 
All look like harbor seals to me. What I think you are seeing with the two on the right is some fur dry and fluffy, some wet, and with the light it makes it confusing. It is amazing how different their colors change when they are wet vs dry.
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Thank you Molly for that great explanation, very much appreciated!!
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Kim, Just getting back to blog busy with family issues…Found this search:
http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/education/marine-mammal-information/pinnipeds/pacific-harbor-seal/
This may be caused by an accumulation of trace elements such as iron or selenium in the ocean or a change in the hair follicle.
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