Mammals crepuscular

Long-nosed Fur Seal

Arctocephalus forsteri

The Long-nosed Fur Seal is the rugged acrobat of the southern coastlines. Often found basking on sun-drenched rocks or 'walking' through coastal gardens, these resilient mammals are a testament to the wild beauty of our shorelines.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Males reach 1.5–2.5m (5–8.2 ft) and up to 200kg (440 lbs); females are smaller at 1–1.5m (3.3–5 ft) and up to 50kg (110 lbs).

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Colors

Dark brown to charcoal grey fur that looks black when wet; males have a thick 'mane' of coarser hair around the neck; undersides are typically lighter cream or grey.

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Key Features

Distinctive long, pointed muzzle with long pale whiskers
Small but visible external ear flaps (pinnae)
Hind flippers that can rotate forward to walk or climb on land
Thick, double-layered waterproof fur coat

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern crepuscular

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Peak hours 5-9 AM and 4-8 PM for movement; midday hours for sunbathing on rocks.

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Season Year-round, with peak shore activity during breeding (Nov-Jan) and moulting (Feb-April).

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Diet A generalist predator eating mostly squid, octopus, and a wide variety of fish such as red cod and barracouta; occasionally they may hunt small penguins or seabirds.

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Habitat Prefer rocky shorelines with crevices and boulders for protection, but also found on sandy beaches, breakwaters, and coastal parklands.

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Behavior

Long-nosed Fur Seals are remarkably agile marine mammals, known for their ability to navigate rugged, rocky terrain that would stop a human in their tracks. Unlike 'true' seals, they use their powerful front flippers to prop themselves up and can rotate their hind flippers to 'gallop' across land. They are highly social but also territorial, especially during the summer breeding season when dominant males defend stretches of coastline with loud, guttural barks and displays of strength.

While they spend significant time at sea foraging—sometimes traveling hundreds of kilometers—they are frequently seen 'hauling out' on shore to rest, regulate their body temperature, and socialize. In areas where suburban developments meet the coast, they are increasingly common visitors to jetties, boat ramps, and even coastal gardens. They are naturally curious but can be defensive if they feel cornered, making them fascinating but formidable subjects for remote observation.

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Camera Tips

When setting up a camera for Long-nosed Fur Seals, the most critical factor is the tide. Position your camera well above the high-tide mark to avoid salt-water submersion, but aim it toward 'basking rocks' or flat ledges where seals are likely to haul out. These animals have a keen sense of smell and sight, so using a camera with a 'no-glow' or 'low-glow' infrared flash is essential for capturing natural nocturnal behavior without startling them. Ensure the camera is secured to a heavy rock or a permanent fixture, as seals are curious and may nudge or lean against equipment, which can easily knock a standard tripod over.

Because the coastal environment is harsh, salt spray is your camera's biggest enemy. We recommend using a dedicated security housing or at least applying a thin layer of specialized anti-corrosion spray to any exposed metal parts. Check the lens frequently; a buildup of salt crust will quickly blur your images. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or high-speed video. Seals can move surprisingly fast when they decide to hop into the water, and a single photo might only capture a tail, whereas a 10-second video clip will reveal their fascinating, undulating gait as they navigate the rocks.

Timing is everything for the best lighting. If your camera is facing East or West over the ocean, the glare from the rising or setting sun can wash out your images. Try to angle the camera slightly downward or use a lens hood to minimize flare. While you should never use bait to attract seals—it's often illegal and harmful to their health—you can increase your success by looking for 'trails' of smoothed rock or flattened vegetation which indicate a regular path used by seals to move from the water to higher ground. These 'seal highways' are the goldmine for trail camera placement.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Long-nosed Fur Seal.

Australian Fur Seal

Very similar but significantly larger and broader across the chest; they prefer flatter rock platforms compared to the Long-nosed variety.

Australian Sea Lion

Has a shorter, blunter muzzle and lacks the thick underfur of the Long-nosed Fur Seal; females are a much lighter cream color.

Subantarctic Fur Seal

Rarely seen, but distinguished by a creamy-yellow chest and a prominent tuft of hair on the forehead.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal foragers. They usually head out to sea at dusk to hunt and return to shore at dawn to rest. However, you can see them basking on rocks throughout the day.

You should never try to attract seals with food as it disrupts their natural hunting habits and can make them aggressive toward humans. If you live on the coast, maintaining a clear, chemical-free path to rocky ledges may encourage them to haul out naturally.

Their diet is diverse, consisting mostly of cephalopods like squid and octopus, alongside various fish species. Large males have been known to occasionally take small penguins.

Yes, in southern Australia and New Zealand, they are increasingly common in suburban coastal areas, often resting on boat ramps, garden lawns near the water, and public piers.

Look at the profile: Long-nosed Fur Seals have a much pointier 'dog-like' snout and longer whiskers. Sea lions have a flatter, more 'pug-like' face and appear much bulkier.

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