Seals In New Brunswick Waters

New Brunswick is home to several species of seals, including harbour seals, grey seals, and harp seals. Seals can be spotted in their natural habitat in various locations across the province, such as Cape Enrage, Hopewell Rocks, and Grand Manan Island. Harbour seals, in particular, are familiar winter residents of Irving Nature Park's shores on the Bay of Fundy, where they gather in colonies to mate during the season. With their expressive, dog-like faces and barking cry, they are affectionately known as sea dogs by the locals.

Seal species in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is home to several species of seals. These include the harbour seal, the grey seal, and the harp seal. The harbour seal, Phoca vitulina, is the species with the broadest range of any pinniped species. Their habitat includes coastal waters on both Canada's Arctic and Atlantic coasts. They can be found in the Saint John Harbour and the Bay of Fundy, where they can be seen on rocky or sandy substrates on isolated rocks and islands, referred to as a haul-out site. Harbour seals can weigh up to 113 kilograms and grow to a length of 1.5 metres.

The grey seal is found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. In Canada, they are found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence off the shores of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Male grey seals may reach a length of 2.3 metres and weigh as much as 350 kilograms. Females are smaller, reaching 2 metres in length and weighing up to 227 kilograms.

The harp seal is restricted to the North Atlantic, where they are separated into three separate populations, each using a specific pupping site. The Northwest Atlantic stock is the largest, located off eastern Canada and western Greenland. Male and female harp seals are similar in size, with adults averaging 1.6 metres in length and weighing 130-150 kilograms.

Other seal species found off the Atlantic coast of Canada include the hooded seal, the ringed seal, and the bearded seal. However, these species typically reside in Arctic waters and are less commonly seen in New Brunswick.

Seal Cove, Grand Manan Island

Seal Cove is a community on the southeast side of Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick. It was once a separate village, but in 1995, it was incorporated into the greater Village of Grand Manan and is now a National Historic Site of Canada.

Seal Cove is known for its picturesque sandy beach, which is a popular spot for families and photographers alike. The beach is easily accessible and offers a great place to picnic, swim, and explore. Visitors can also enjoy sightseeing and beachcombing, especially at low tide when the beach glass can be found.

The village of Seal Cove consists of approximately 54 wooden buildings, which were originally smoked herring stands or sheds. These buildings are a fundamental part of the Island's history and heritage. Some of the sheds have been refurbished and turned into dwellings, while others remain in use for fishing purposes. The sense of history and the indomitable spirit of the local fishing community are palpable as you walk around the buildings.

To get to Seal Cove, take Route #776 south from the Grand Manan Island Ferry Terminal (North Head). Follow this road to King Street, which will lead you to the beach. There is parking available close to the beach.

Seal watching spots

New Brunswick is home to several species of seals, including harbor seals, grey seals, and harp seals. Here are some of the best spots to watch these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat:

Cape Enrage, Albert County

Located in Albert County, Cape Enrage offers a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The rocky cliffs provide visitors with an excellent vantage point to observe seals in the Bay of Fundy. In addition to seals, Cape Enrage is also home to whales, porpoises, and seabirds, making it a diverse spot for wildlife viewing.

Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy

The iconic Hopewell Rocks, with their towering rock formations, provide another excellent location for seal watching. Visitors can opt for kayak tours or guided walking tours to get up close and personal with the seals. The Bay of Fundy is known for its high tidal influence, exposing haul-out sites where seals rest and regulate their body temperature.

Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to see harbor seals and grey seals in their natural habitat within the Kouchibouguac River estuary. The park also provides hiking trails, beaches, and camping facilities for a well-rounded outdoor experience.

Grand Manan Island

Located off the coast of New Brunswick, Grand Manan Island is a popular destination for those seeking boat tours to view harbor seals, grey seals, and even the occasional harp seal. The island is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including whales, porpoises, and seabirds, making it a diverse and exciting wildlife-watching destination.

Fundy National Park

At Fundy National Park, visitors can observe harbor seals in the Point Wolfe River estuary and grey seals on the rocky shores along the Bay of Fundy. The park also offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and other recreational activities, making it a great choice for those seeking a balance of outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing.

Bay of Chaleur

While not as frequent, residents and visitors along the Bay of Chaleur have been amazed by the sight of hundreds of harp seals floating by. This occurrence is made possible by mild winters that prevent the bay from freezing over, allowing the seals to rest on ice floes closer to shore.

Seals in Saint John Harbour

Seals are a common sight in Saint John Harbour, New Brunswick, with the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) being the most prevalent species in the area. These seals are easily identified by their dog-like faces and barking cries, earning them the nickname "sea dogs".

During the winter months, as many as 200 harbour seals can be spotted at Irving Nature Park on the Bay of Fundy, splashing and diving in the water or basking in the sun on the rock outcroppings near the park's observation deck. Harbour seals are well-adapted to life on land and water, with front and rear flippers that allow them to flop along on their bellies on land and propel themselves efficiently through the water. They feed on a variety of fish and invertebrates, consuming up to 5kg of food per day.

While harbour seals are the most common, there has been a surprising increase in the number of grey seals in the harbour as well. A recent study by the Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Saint John found that the overall seal population in the harbour has increased since the last study over 30 years ago. Researchers counted seals at six different "haul-out sites", which are rocky areas where seals gather to rest, sunbathe, or hide from predators. The team used spotting scopes, binoculars, and occasionally drones to count the seals every two weeks at low tide.

The data collected from this study will help monitor seasonal changes in seal numbers and distribution along the southern New Brunswick coast. Additionally, ACAP Saint John has launched a harbour seal monitoring program that may include the use of drones and satellite tagging to gather more information about the seals' behaviour, food habitats, and distribution in the area.

The seal population in Saint John Harbour is estimated to be in the hundreds, and they appear to be staying year-round instead of migrating south during the winter. This indicates that there is a healthy population of fish and invertebrates in the area to support their dietary needs.

Seals as 'sea dogs'

Seals have long been referred to as "dogs of the sea" or "sea dogs" due to their physical resemblance to dogs and their playful, inquisitive, and loyal nature. They are known to have expressive, dog-like faces and a barking cry. Seals and dogs also share some common mammalian characteristics, such as being warm-blooded and giving live births.

The title of "sea doggos" is further supported by the fact that seals and dogs are evolutionarily related. They share a common ancestor within the broader group of mammals that lived approximately 50-55 million years ago. However, it is important to note that they are not closely related. While they fall under the same order, Carnivora (flesh-eating mammals), and suborder, Caniformia (dog-like carnivores), their evolutionary paths diverged significantly after that. Seals belong to the Pinnipedia family, which includes other pinnipeds such as sea lions and walruses, while dogs are part of the Canidae family, along with foxes, jackals, and coyotes.

In terms of physical similarities, both seals and dogs have four limbs, but seals' limbs are modified into flippers that allow them to swim with speed and agility. They also share whiskers, which they use for navigation and hunting. Additionally, both animals have streamlined bodies suited to their respective lifestyles, with seals having long, sleek bodies for swimming and dogs having more compact bodies for running and jumping.

Behaviorally, seals and dogs also exhibit similarities. They are both social animals that live in groups and communicate through various vocalizations. They are skilled hunters, employing similar techniques such as stalking, chasing, and ambushing, and utilizing their physical abilities and intelligence to catch prey.

The comparison of seals to sea dogs is not just a coincidence; it is rooted in their evolutionary history and shared characteristics. However, it is important to remember that seals are wild animals and should be treated with caution, as they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened.

Now, let's shift our focus to New Brunswick, a province in Canada that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seals. New Brunswick offers several locations for seal watching, providing visitors with unique wildlife experiences. Here are some of the best places to see seals in New Brunswick:

• Cape Enrage: Located in Albert County, Cape Enrage offers rocky cliffs that provide an excellent vantage point to observe seals in the Bay of Fundy. Visitors can also spot whales, porpoises, and seabirds.
• Hopewell Rocks: These towering rock formations in the Bay of Fundy provide another great opportunity to see seals. Visitors can take kayak or guided walking tours to get up close to these fascinating creatures.
• Kouchibouguac National Park: This national park is a haven for wildlife, including harbor seals and grey seals, which can be spotted in the Kouchibouguac River estuary. The park also offers hiking trails, beaches, and camping facilities.
• Grand Manan Island: Located off the coast of New Brunswick, Grand Manan Island is a popular destination for seal watching. Boat tours offer the chance to see harbor seals, grey seals, and occasionally, harp seals. The island is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including whales, porpoises, and seabirds.
• Fundy National Park: Visitors can spot harbor seals in the Point Wolfe River estuary and grey seals on the rocky shores along the Bay of Fundy. The park also provides camping facilities, hiking trails, and other recreational activities.

When planning a trip to see seals in New Brunswick, it is important to respect their natural habitat and maintain a safe distance. Additionally, be sure to dress appropriately, wear sturdy shoes, and bring binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens to get a closer look without disturbing the seals.

Frequently asked questions