HAUL-OUT AREA USEAGE BY HARBOR SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA) AT THE NORTH COVE OF CAPE ARAGO, OREGON

Abstract

Harbor seals were observed on 70 occasions from 7 April to 10 August, 2001, at the North Cove, Cape Arago, Oregon, to determine if the harbor seals used different haulout zones within the haul-out area during different life history stages. This study identified sex and age as the most important factors influencing the selection of haul-out zones. A haul-out pattern was observed on days when both low tides occurred during daylight hours: the number of animals hauled-out during a morning low tide was fewer than those during the afternoon low tide regardless of weather conditions.