The king of the coasts: everything you need to know about the gray seal
A portrait of the grey seal
The grey seal(Halichoerus grypus) is a member of the dog seal family and is known for its strong stature and characteristic conical head, which gives it its name. With a body length of up to three meters and a weight of 300 kilograms, it impresses not only with its size, but also with its ability to adapt to a wide variety of habitats in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
The scientific name "Halichoerus grypus" translates as "hook-nosed sea pig" - an allusion to the distinctive profile of the male grey seal. But despite this unflattering description, it is an extremely social and curious animal that lives in large colonies and is characterized above all by its amazing diving performance.
Habitat: From rocks and sandbanks
Grey seals prefer cold to temperate waters and are mainly found in the North Atlantic region. They inhabit the coastal areas around Great Britain, Ireland, Iceland and the Scandinavian countries as well as parts of Canada and the USA. There is also a stable population in the Baltic Sea - particularly around the islands of Rügen, Usedom and the archipelago areas of Finland.
Their preferred habitat includes rocky coasts, sandbanks and small islands, which serve as resting and pupping sites. Grey seals attach great importance to undisturbed areas, as they are particularly sensitive to disturbance during the mating season and when rearing their young.
Did you know?
Grey seals are true wanderers: some animals travel distances of over 1,000 kilometers in search of food!
External appearance: the "cone head" makes all the difference
One of the most striking features of the grey seal is its head, which has a distinctive conical shape, especially in males. Males are also significantly larger and more robustly built than females, with broad shoulders and a strong neck.
The coat color varies depending on the region and age. While the fur of females is often silver-grey with dark spots, males tend to have a darker base color with light spots. Young animals are covered with a dense, white lanugo coat at birth, which they lose during their first few weeks of life.
Adaptation artists of the deep sea: the hunting techniques of the grey seal
Grey seals are true masters of diving and hunting. They can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes and reach depths of up to 300 meters. Their slender, streamlined body and powerful flippers make them fast swimmers that can easily catch prey even in cold waters.
The diet of the gray seal is varied and includes fish such as herring, cod and mackerel as well as squid and crustaceans. Thanks to their sharp teeth and strong jaws, they can also take down larger prey.
Did you know:
Grey seals have exceptional night vision, which enables them to hunt effectively even in the dark.
Social behavior: A life in colonies
Grey seals are sociable animals that often live in large colonies. These communities are particularly important during the mating season, when males compete in impressive battles for the favor of females. The dominant males - often referred to as "beach masters" - secure the right to produce offspring with several females.
After a gestation period of around eleven months, the females give birth to a single young, which they feed exclusively with mother's milk for the first few weeks. This milk is particularly nutritious and ensures that the young gain weight within a very short time.
Threats and protective measures
Despite their impressive adaptability, the gray seal is not immune to danger. In the past, they were severely threatened by hunting and environmental pollution. Today, the biggest challenges facing the species are
- Plastic pollution: gray seals often become entangled in old fishing nets or ingest plastic waste.
- Climate change: Rising sea temperatures and melting ice caps are changing their habitat and the availability of food.
- Human disturbance: Boats and tourists can stress and drive away gray seal colonies.
Fortunately, grey seals are strictly protected in many countries. In Germany, for example, protected areas have been established where the animals can live undisturbed.
Exciting facts about grey seals
- Grey seals can live up to 35 years in the wild.
- They have particularly sensitive hearing and can perceive sounds from a great distance under water.
- The largest colonies in Europe are found on the British Farne Islands and the Isle of May.
The grey seal and humans
Grey seals are not only an important part of the ecosystem, but also have cultural significance: in ancient myths and legends, they were often associated with mystical sea creatures such as selkies or mermaids. Nowadays, they are a symbol of marine conservation and a popular subject in wildlife photography.
What do you think?
Have you ever seen a gray seal in the wild? What impresses you most about these fascinating animals? Let us know in the comments - we look forward to your stories and opinions!