WHAT DO common SEALS EAT?

Common seals feed predominantly on small bait fish like sand eel and dragonet, but, here in Cornish waters, they will also feed on mackerel and herring, flatfish like plaice as well as skates, and rays. They are quite opportunistic though, and will chomp down on just about anything they can grab a hold of including, squid and crustaceans, like crab and lobster. Bigger meals that are too awkward to swallow down in one, they will hold in their flippers at the surface and tear chunks off

ARE common SEALS MAMMALS?

Yes, seals are mammals, which means they’re warm-blooded, feed their young with milk, and breathe air. They’ve adapted to doing this all while living much of their lives in the water. Pretty amazing if you ask us!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SEAL AND A SEA LION?

Seals are members of the ‘true seal’ family which includes grey seals, common (or harbour) seals, leopard seals and elephant seals; whereas seal lions are members of the ‘eared seal’ family which also includes fur seals. Seals and sea lions are both pinnipeds, meaning “winged foot”, referring to their webbed flippers. True seals have much smaller flippers and caterpillar along on the land to move. They also do not have external ‘ears’, instead just small holes either sides of their head. Eared seals have longer flippers with their hind flippers bending under their body like feet, enabling them to waddle on land and be faster and more agile in the water. They also have external ear flaps.

ARE common SEALS DANGEROUS?

Here in Cornwall, common seals (males in particular) grow to large sizes. Like all animals, seals will defend themselves if they feel threatened and female seals will be protective of their pups. It is advised never to approach a seal, try to touch one, or swim up to them in the water as they may be unsure of your intentions and get defensive. As long as seals are treated with respect and given the space they need, they are beautiful animals to observe. Rest assured when you’re on board a Padstow Sealife Safari trip, we keep a respectful distance and monitor the seals’ body language to ensure they are happy and calm in our presence.

ARE common SEALS RELATED TO DOGS?

There are no close connections between seals and dogs which is surprising especially as the grey seal is known for its Labrador shaped head. Seals, dogs and also bears are all part of the Caniformes group of animals, which means dog-like, and both seals and dogs are mammals but that’s as close as they come.

WHAT NOISE DOES A SEAL MAKE?

Seals can make a variety of noises, including honks, snarls, hissing, and roars. Pups make noises similar to crying, human babies.

Common Seals

Common seals are mostly located in the colder waters in the UK. There are significant breeding colonies situated off the coast of Cornwall.

About Common Seals

Scientific Name: Phoca vitulina

Common seals – also known as harbour seals – look a lot like Grey seals but are the smaller of the two species, with a more a cat-like face. Although Common seals are called ‘common’ they are actually less common than the Grey seals around Cornwall’s coastline. However, there are significant breeding colonies of common seals situated off the coast of Lincolnshire, Wales and Northumberland. Our safaris will take visitors to coves and offshore islands where you’re more likely to spot some grey seals.

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20 years

Average Lifespan

Fish

Diet

400,000

Population

Did you know?

On land, common seals often rest with both their head and tail held in the air simultaneously, not unlike a banana balanced on its outside edge.

How often do you see Common seals on a boat trip?

We don’t generally see common seals on our trips, but grey seals, which are far more common in Cornwall, can be seen at any time of year. Book a Seal Safari boat trip or a 2 hour Sealife Safari to give you the best chances of seeing seals in their natural habitat. This is also a fun and safe way to see some amazing scenery and other sealife. Our boat trips are a truly magical experience, especially with all the Cornish marine wildlife out there to see.

FAQs about Common Seals

More of cornwall's amazing sealife...

Padstow Sealife Safaris give you the chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. Depending on the time of year that you choose to visit, you’ll have the chance to see a number of different species.

Common Seals

About Common Seals

20 years

Fish

400,000

Did you know?

How often do you see Common seals on a boat trip?

FAQs about Common Seals

More of cornwall's amazing sealife...

Seals

Dolphins

Harbour Porpoise

Seabirds

Jellyfish

Sharks

Whales

Fish

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