Increased Metabolic Rate of Hauled-Out Harbor Seals (<i>Phoca vitulina</i>) during the Molt

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) live in cold temperate or polar seas and molt annually, renewing their fur over a period of approximately 4 wk. Epidermal processes at this time require warm skin; therefore, to avoid an excessive energy cost sea during the molt, harbor many other pinnipeds increase proportion they are hauled out on land. We predicted that metabolic rate haul-out would be greater sustain elevated skin temperature order optimize hair growth. To examine this, we measured post-haul-out oxygen consumption (V˙O2) captive postmolt periods. recorded V˙O2 while were molting than when was complete. Post-haul-out increased faster reached maximum first 40 min. Thereafter, decreased but still remained greater, suggesting relatively high throughout haul-outs, it most pronounced Air temperature, estimated heat increment feeding, mass also explained 15.5% variation 180 min after haul-out, environment, feeding state, body size influenced individual animals. These results show have rates out, especially early stages period. As consequence, human disturbance changes behavior will costs potentially extend duration molt.