Why are northern fur seals endangered?

Northern fur seals are not considered endangered. In fact, their population has recovered significantly after a period of decline due to overhunting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

They are currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

However, there are still some threats to their population, including:

* Climate change: Changes in ocean temperatures and currents can affect the availability of their prey.

* Fishing bycatch: Northern fur seals can get entangled in fishing gear, leading to injury or death.

* Disease: Outbreaks of diseases like distemper can impact their population.

* Pollution: Plastic pollution and other contaminants in the ocean can also affect their health.

While the population is recovering, continued monitoring and conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the long-term health of these fascinating creatures.