Are baby seals killed during the hunt?
In recent years, about 95% of the harp seals killed have been pups between the ages of about 2 weeks and 3 months. It is legal to kill harp seal pups once they have begun to moult their white pelts, beginning at about 12 days of age. The killing of whitecoat seals is prohibited, and so is the sale of their pelts. These young animals have poorly developed swimming skills and are reluctant to leave the ice, making them easy prey for sealers.
