Phoca vitulina
Seehund / Spættet sæl

Weight: Male 100 kg, female 45–80 kg
Food: Fish, squid, conches, snails and mussels
Habitat: In relatively shallow waters, primarily near sandbanks.
Sexual maturity: Male 3–6 years, female 2–5 years
Gestation period: 1 year
Number of offspring per litter: 1
Life expectancy: 40 years

In Denmark, the Eastern Atlantic Harbour Seal is the only commonly breeding seal species, and the population is increasing near the coastal mudflats off South Jutland after being decimated by half during a viral epidemic in 1988.
Calves are born on sandbanks, but can swim shortly after birth. Calves always suckle on dry land, where they are highly vulnerable to disturbances. During the 28 days a calf suckles, it gains 800-900 grams a day (a human baby by comparison gains about 35 grams a day while breastfeeding). This is due to the 50% fat content of the seal’s milk.
Seals swim by moving the hind part of their body from side to side, like fish. Seals have earholes instead of ear flaps, as humans do. This helps to reduce the water resistance as they swim. They have a thick layer of blubber which provides heat insulation.