Two harbor seals rest alertly on an intertidal rock, both lifting their heads to look directly toward the photographer while strands of rockweed drape the bedrock beneath them. Harbor seals are the most common seal species in Southeast Alaska and are frequently seen hauled out on rocks, reefs, and small islands during low tide. These haul-outs provide essential time for resting, warming, and avoiding predators. Harbor seals are opportunistic feeders, preying on fish, squid, and crustaceans in the rich coastal waters of the region. Their curious expressions and wide-set eyes reflect both caution and awareness, traits shaped by a life spent balancing the demands of feeding at sea with the safety of coastal resting sites in Alaska’s dynamic intertidal environment. Photographer: Sean Neilson