Gray Seal

The Gray Seal (Halichoerus grypus) is a charismatic and robust marine mammal found along the coastlines of the North Atlantic Ocean. As one of the largest seal species, gray seals are characterized by their distinctive appearance, sociable behaviors, and widespread distribution.

Easily recognizable by their mottled gray or brown fur and distinctive V-shaped nostrils, gray seals exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males generally larger than females. Adult males, known as bulls, can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and weigh over 800 pounds, while adult females, or cows, are slightly smaller. These seals possess a streamlined and barrel-shaped body, adapted for efficient movement through the water.

Gray seals inhabit a variety of coastal environments, from rocky shorelines to sandy beaches and offshore islands. They are known for their versatile foraging habits, consuming a diet primarily consisting of fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their adept swimming abilities and streamlined bodies make them skilled hunters, capable of diving to considerable depths in search of prey.

One of the notable characteristics of gray seals is their sociable nature. They are known to form colonies, or rookeries, during the breeding season. These colonies provide a communal environment for breeding, giving birth, and rearing their pups. Gray seal pups are born with a soft, white fur coat known as lanugo, which is later molted to reveal their more characteristic gray or brown coloration.

Breeding colonies of gray seals can be found in various locations, from the coasts of New England in the United States to the shores of the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. These colonies play a crucial role in the life cycle of the gray seal, providing a safe space for pupping and fostering social interactions among individuals.