Volume 23, Plate XXII / Mammalia (Mammals)

Ursine Seal, or Sea-Bar of Forster

Otaria Ursina

The Ursine Seal or Sea-Bear of Forster, a southern species smaller than the Sea-Lion and much fiercer, runs to about eight or nine feet, with a dog-shaped head and a fine short fur of iron-grey or dark brown sprinkled with grey, having no mane. Sluggish ashore yet swift in water, it gathers in thousands and the females commonly die defending their young; it ranges about New Zealand, Staten Land, Juan Fernandez and the Galapagos.