Grey seal bull charging through shallow water on the Lincolnshire coast
The Grey Seal, also known as the Atlantic Seal (Halichoerus grypus), is the larger of the two seal species found in the UK. Distinguished by its elongated head featuring a sloping 'Roman nose' profile, this species presents vertical and parallel nostrils when viewed head-on, in contrast to the v-shaped nostrils seen in common (or harbour) seals. Its predominantly grey colour is complemented by a distinctive pattern of darker blotches and spots. Male grey seals, referred to as bulls, can reach lengths of up to two metres and weigh as much as 300 kg. During the winter, bulls arrive onshore before the females (cows), establishing territories. Upon the females' arrival, seeking a tranquil spot for giving birth, clashes between males vying for dominance over their 'harem' ensue. Widespread along the coasts of the North Atlantic and North Sea, 40% of the global Atlantic grey seal population resides around the coasts of Britain, particularly on rocky northern and western shores and islands. These seals spend most of the year at sea, feeding on fish, and return to land for rest, often seen 'hauled out' on British beaches. The pupping season for grey seals around the UK ranges from late August to January, A large colony of grey seals comes ashore every year at Donna Nook on the Lincolnshire coast, attracting visitors from around the country. Between November and December, the colony produces over 2000 pups each year. Grey seal pups are born with a bright fluffy white fur coat. They feed off their mothers’ milk for 3-4 weeks, during which time their weight triples. During this period, adult bulls and cows stay on shore and do not feed, relying on their blubber for sustenance. Bulls mate with cows 2-3 weeks after they have given birth.
Size: 5796px × 3870px
Location: Donna Nook, National Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire, UK
Photo credit: © Mark Andrews / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
Keywords: atlantic, bull, coast, coastal, donna, grassland, grey, grypus, halichoerus, lincolnshire, male, national, nature, nook, pupping, reserve, salt, seal, season, splashing, wallowing, water
