Harbour Seal (Knubbsäl)

Characteristics:
The harbour seal is the smallest of Sweden’s marine seal species. It is easily recognised by its round head, short snout, and V-shaped nostrils that almost meet at the front — a key feature distinguishing it from the grey seal.
Body length 1.2–1.8 meters, weight 50–100 kg (males slightly larger than females).
The fur varies from light grey to dark grey with light or dark spots across the body. Pups, called “kutar” in Swedish, are born with a thin coat of fur that they shed soon after birth.

Habitat:
The harbour seal is found along Sweden’s west coast, especially in Bohuslän and the Kattegat, but also in parts of the southern Baltic Sea, particularly Kalmarsund. It prefers calm bays, skerries, and sandy shores where it can rest, breed, and moult.

Behaviour:
Harbour seals are social, though generally less gregarious than grey seals. They rest in groups on land or rocks but hunt alone in the water. They are curious and agile swimmers, often seen close to the shore.
Typical dives last 3–7 minutes, but seals can stay submerged for up to 20 minutes while hunting.

Diet:
Harbour seals are carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish such as cod, herring, flatfish, and smaller coastal fish, as well as squid and crustaceans.

Reproduction:
Mating occurs in summer (July–August). After delayed implantation (diapause), one pup is born the following June. The pup is nursed for about 3–4 weeks, and can swim and dive shortly after birth.

Tracks and signs:

• Resting sites: Rocks or sandbanks with droppings, fur, and body imprints.
• Droppings (scat): Dark, often containing fish remains, found on coastal rocks.
• Pup tracks: Drag marks in sand or seaweed near breeding areas.

Distribution:
The harbour seal occurs along the coasts of western Europe, from Scotland through the North Sea and into the Baltic. In Sweden, the population is around 10,000 individuals, mainly in Bohuslän and Kalmarsund. The species is stable but sensitive to pollution and disease outbreaks, such as seal distemper virus (PDV).

Hunting:
Hunting of harbour seals in Sweden is licensed and regulated. Annual quotas for protective and licensed hunting are set by the County Administrative Boards, mainly to reduce damage to fishing gear. Hunting is carried out from land or boats, and special permits are required.

Firearm class (Sweden):
Hunting seals requires a class 2 rifle with expanding bullets.

Think for the hunting exam:

• Smallest marine seal in Sweden.
• Recognised by round head and V-shaped nostrils.
• Found mainly along the west coast.
• Feeds on fish, squid, and crustaceans.
• Gives birth to one pup in June.
• Licensed hunting possible with class 2 rifle.