Note: Seals inhabit seacoasts, and are found principally in
the higher latitudes of both hemispheres. There are
numerous species, bearing such popular names as {sea
lion}, {sea leopard}, {sea bear}, or {ursine seal},
{fur seal}, and {sea elephant}. The bearded seal
({Erignathus barbatus}), the hooded seal ({Cystophora
crustata}), and the ringed seal ({Phoca f[oe]tida}),
are northern species. See also {Eared seal}, {Harp
seal}, and {Fur seal}, under {Eared}, {Harp}, {Monk},
and {Fur}. Seals are much hunted for their skins and
fur, and also for their oil, which in some species is
very abundant.
{Harbor seal} (Zo["o]l.), the common seal ({Phoca vitulina}).
It inhabits both the North Atlantic and the North Pacific
Ocean, and often ascends rivers; -- called also {marbled
seal}, {native seal}, {river seal}, {bay seal}, {land
seal}, {sea calf}, {sea cat}, {sea dog}, {dotard},
{ranger}, {selchie}, {tangfish}.
The sickly dotard wants a wife. -- Prior.