Do harbor seals have a family or community structure?

Harbor seals do have a social structure, but it's not as complex as some other marine mammals. They don't form strong family bonds in the same way that, say, wolves or dolphins do.

Here's what we know about their social behavior:

* Mothers and pups: Harbor seals are very maternal. Mothers give birth on land and stay with their pups for a few weeks, teaching them how to swim and forage. After that, they're mostly independent, but mothers will still recognize and interact with their pups for a while.

* No permanent groups: Unlike other pinnipeds like sea lions or elephant seals, harbor seals don't live in permanent groups or colonies. They may gather in large numbers for breeding or molting, but these groups are temporary and fluid.

* Individualism: Harbor seals are generally solitary creatures. They tend to be more tolerant of other seals than aggressive.

* Territoriality: During breeding season, males may become territorial, defending their territory and potential mates from other males.

* Communication: Harbor seals communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including barks, growls, and whistles. This communication helps them to locate each other, warn of danger, and maintain social order.

In conclusion: While harbor seals are social animals, their social structure is loose and based on individual interactions rather than strong familial bonds. Their social behavior is primarily focused on mating and raising young.