Do seal mothers leave their babies?

Seal mothers do leave their babies for periods to feed. Nursing lasts several months in many species, and females may fast during that period. Females leave pups on the ice floes. Pups are able to swim shortly after birth, but they typically remain on the ice until they are several weeks old. During this time, they rely on their mothers for milk and protection. Once the pups are old enough to swim and hunt on their own, their mothers will leave them to find their own food. Mother seals recognize their young by their smell and vocalizations.