Grey Seal
Halichoerus grypus
Length 2.5-3m

A large mammal, streamlined in water but cumbersome on land. Frequently seen 'bottling', with head and neck clear of water. Males (A) up to 0.5m longer than females and much heavier. Both sexes have rather dog-shaped appearance to head; male has a particularly thick neck and convex profile. Coat colour extremely variable but usually some shade of blue-grey; background colour of male generally darker than that of female. Both sexes show irregular and individually unique pattern of blotches and spots on coat. Comes ashore to mate and give birth. Pups (B) born in late summer or autumn and generally remain on land for two to three weeks. Common off W coast of Britain and Ireland but persecuted by fishermen in some areas. Easy to see on Farne Islands and off W Pembrokeshire.