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Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why must harp seals come onto land or ice during parts of the year?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
A mother harp seal and a young “whitecoat.” Adult harp seals are gray with black spots. Young harp seals are called “whitecoats,” “bedlamers,” “beaters,” or “graybacks,” depending on their age.
harp seal A mother harp seal and a young “whitecoat.” Adult harp seals are gray with black spots. Young harp seals are called “whitecoats,” “bedlamers,” “beaters,” or “graybacks,” depending on their age.

Harp seals must come onto land or ice during specific times of the year to fulfill essential biological needs. Specifically, they rely on these platforms to give birth, rear their young, and molt.1

The availability of pack ice is particularly critical for the survival of their offspring. Females give birth to their pups on this seasonal ice, which serves as a necessary whelping platform. Because the pups are born without the thick layer of blubber found in adults, they depend on the ice for a stable environment while they nurse and develop the fat reserves required for their survival.1