Harbor seals are a marine mammal commonly related to bears and dogs.  These seals have large eyes which allow them to see in deep dark water, a fairly rounded body to keep warm, and they typically have a grey body with dark and light speckles. They roam kelp forests found in temperate coastal habitats. These sweet animals are now beginning to gain traction on multiple platforms. Videos of Harbor seals in their habitats or aquariums are going viral on many platforms, primarily X [formally Twitter], and TikTok. 

In these posts, the Harbor seals are friendly and curious. Videos have gained traction online showing Harbor seals gripping onto scuba divers' legs or equipment with flippers. A video has also showcased a group of Harbor seals desperately trying to “rescue” a scuba diver, falsely believing he was drowning. Additionally, it is adorable to see Harbor seals freely sway in the current or grip onto kelp while they nap to prevent movement. Individuals have also become drawn to these seals because, in many aquariums, they perform tricks such as the “banana pose” (the seal’s back flippers and head tilt to try and meet each other), spinning in a circle, or waving. It is easy to see why these sweet animals have captured the hearts of many and will continue to flood the internet with their adorable faces.