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Harbor seals mating activity: The harbor seals' mating season is different in different subspecies and occurs around late springand through fall, when females are in heat (they signal  males that they are ready for mating), about 6 weeks after they give birth to pups of the previous mating. Heat continues for 1 to 6 weeks. Harbor seals usually return to the same breeding area every year. Prior to the breeding season both male and females exhibit pre-mating behaviors such as getting on top of each other's necks, rolling, and blowing bubbles. In the mating season, the males exhibit vocal displays during shot dives. These displays happen near haul-out areas (shores at which pinnipeds such as seals temporarily get out of the water during foraging activity), foraging areas, and in travel routes between the two areas. These displays increase when females are likely to be in the water. After females give birth to pups, male initiate "true" mating behavior by embracing, chasing, and biting flippers and necks. When approached, females respond by waving their flippers, growling, and head thrusting. Copulation usually takes place in the water. A male may mate with several females.