The Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus, meaning "hooked-nosed sea pig") is found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a large seal of the family Phocidae or "true seals". It is the only species classified in the genus Halichoerus. Its name is spelled Gray Seal in the US; it is also known as Atlantic Grey Seal and the Horsehead Seal. It is distinguished from the Common Seal by its straight head profile with nostrils that are well apart, and fewer spots on its body. Bull Greys have larger noses and a more convex profile than Common Seal bulls. Males are often darker than females, with lighter patches and often scarring around the neck. Females are silver grey to brown with dark patches.
Ten Facts about Gray Seal
- The Grey Seal feeds on a wide variety of fish, mostly benthic or demersal species, taken at depths down to 70 m (230 ft) or more. Sand eels (Ammodytes spp) are important in its diet in many localities.
- The average daily food requirement is estimated to be 5 kg.
- The pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern Atlantic and in winter (January to February) in the west.
- They can be up to 10 feet long. And weigh up to 900 pounds.
- There are some spots along the body but they tend to fade as they get older.
- They tend to prefer places where there aren't very many people. They feed in cold current waters so that is a necessity. When they aren't in the water they enjoy being on the sand and rocky terrain.
- The females dig areas and find out of the way locations to prepare for the birth of their pup. The mothers feed them milk that is close to ½ fat.
- Many of the males are at least 10 years of age before they are able to successfully mate.
- They can't enter the water for about a month when they get the waterproof fur. Until then they depend on their mother's for the food supply they need.
- The Gray Seal does very well in captivity, and can live up to 40 years there. They are only able to successfully live in the wild for up to 30 years.
