The grey seal is Britain's largest carnivorous mammal. Its thick, insulating layer of blubber and waterproof fur allow it to survive in cold water temperatures.

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Overview

Picture of a Grey Seal

Order: Carnivora

Family: Phocidae

Species: Halichoerus grypus

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Population trend: increasing

Distribution: Widespread in the north-east Atlantic, from Spitzbergen to southern Iceland with the largest numbers in British waters.

Habitat: Open sea, rocky islands & coasts; sometimes found on sandy beaches.

Description: Variable colour; bulls usually darker than cows. Pups are white at birth. Streamlined body, large nose & eyes.

Size: Length: males up to 2.7m; female up to 1.7m. Weight: male up to 233kg; female up to 154kg.

Life-span: 26 -38 years.

Food: Fish, crustaceans & molluscs.

The grey seal is Britain's largest carnivorous mammal. Its thick, insulating layer of blubber and waterproof fur allow it to survive in cold water temperatures that would kill a human within minutes.

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