Harbour seal behavior Q

[DaleC]

I spent 25 minutes playing tug the fin with a harbour seal the other day (or rather it with me) and I'm curious about its behavior.

I was collecting old bottles in a small cove when I felt something tugging my fin. I turned to see a seal biting my fin. It backed off a bit when I kicked (spooked me) and then circled and darted away (there was only about 8' of vis). About 30 seconds later I felt another tug and there it was again. It circled out of visual range and snuck up on me. This went on for 25 minutes with me trying to track it and it trying to sneak up and tug my fin. It even darted to the bottom and purposely kicked up the silt to hide from me. Finally I moved into the shallows and it did not return.

I had interpreted its actions as play behavior but now I am curious as to wether it was trying to chase me out of its territory by harrassing me.

Any seal behavior experts out there?

 

[Gombessa]

How big was it?

We have lots of harbor seal interactions here. The juveniles typically engage in this kind of behavior nipping on fins, grabbing at masks, snorkels, pockets, enjoying a tummy rub... the adults either ignore you or can even act aggressively. Particularly if we're talking about the young'uns, my guess is definitely play. For better or worse, they grow out of it.

 

[DaleC]

It appeared to be young, maybe 4-5'.

 

[Gombessa]

That's pretty consistent with what we have here. From one layman to another, I don't see anything malicious about what they're doing (if they really wanted you gone, I'm sure they could be much more persuasive).

 

[TSandM]

The ones we have here in Seattle will do the same thing. But it's pretty clear they're not trying to chase us away -- in fact, they chase us to use our lights to fish by!

 

[Desert_Diver]

While we were diving at Catalina, one of the locals told us this kind of behavior is an invitation to play tag with the seal. It is usually associated with juveniles. I don't know how accurate that statement is but maybe Dr. Bill could comment.

(PM sent)

 

[DaleC]

Good morning Lynne

I felt it was play/curiosity activity but wanted to be sure I wasn't anthropromorphizing.
It is interesting that one species would sneak up on another species and tug at its fin. How would it know I wouldn't turn around and attack it or see it as prey? The foolishness of youth perhaps. I wonder if young seals mistake us for other seals/sea lions or see us as non threatening extraspecies playmates.

 

[mikeyjoe]

I haven't been lucky enough to experience this yet, but I have heard countless first hand reports of this harbour seal behavior from fellow divers in the Vancouver area - I hear there is one or two "resident" seals in Whytecliff Park.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

You've been adopted, Dale ... I've had similar encounters. In fact, those experiences are thrilling at first ... but after a while you just wish the little bugger would go bother someone else.

Here's a thread I posted about one of my earliest encounters a few years ago ... http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/pacific-northwest-orca-bait/81913-dances-seals.html

... and another the following year with a seal I named "Junior" ... http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/humor-games-clips-yarns-tales/85041-junior-gets-playful.html

... and there's yet another seal story on my website ... NWGratefulDiver.com

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Gombessa]

Well, taking away the spears, knives, and what not, I think a diver in the water must be a pretty sorry sight for a streamlined, purpose-built seal. We fumble around at a snail's pace blowing bubbles every few seconds, it takes us 10 seconds to make a u-turn, and are oblivious to anything not directly in front of us. Divers are probably the ideal thing for curious juveniles to mess with down there.