Back To
Aka
Atlantic Seal
Size
6 - 7 ft ( 1.7 - 2.1 m) Males: 230 kg, Females: 155kg.
Description
The grey Seal can be recognised by its distinct flattish Roman Nose . Grey seals are territorial organised into colonies , with Bulls having 10 cows or more .Grey seals are nosiy animals hissing , hooting and barking. Seal pups are born white but moult within about 10 days.Colour varies from dark brown to grey or black with blotches, females tending to be paler than the males. Male grey seals are much larger than the females with broader shoulders, an long snout with a heavy muzzle.Females have thinner snouts and a less rounded profile.
Diet
The Gery seal feeds mainly on Cod Whiting and Salmon and they will raid fishing nets to get them , but will also rarely take cephalopods (squid and octopus) and crustaceans.
Breeding
Gestation period is 11.5 months, ( including 3month delay in the implantation of the fertilised egg. ) New born pups weighs about 15 kg at birth and is born with a white coat. Weight gain in these pups is about 2 kg per day due to the high fat content of their mother's milk (60 % fat). After 3 weeks of suckling the pup, the female mates again and then leaves the breeding area (rookery).
Life Span
Male common seals have a shorter life span than females, living up to 20-25 years as opposed to females living up to 30-35 years