Hunt for Pups

The commercial seal hunt targets pups. Over 95% of harp seals killed are less than three months old. Most have not yet eaten their first solid food at the time they are slaughtered. Because Canada has deemed it illegal to hunt whitecoats (newborn seals) sealers wait until they are at least 12 days old, when their fur has begun to molt. Sealers consider the skin of baby seals to be in "prime" condition. The seals have not yet had their first solid meal or swam for the first time. Sealers take complete advantage of the fact that the baby seals are defenseless and have no way of escaping.