WHAT DO GREY SEALS EAT?

Grey 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 GREY 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 IS A BABY GREY SEAL CALLED?

A baby seal is known as a pup and a female grey seal will produce just one pup each year. She feeds her pup with milk she produces in her mammary glands which has extremely high-fat content (about 60% fat) in order to build up the pup’s blubber reserves so it can survive in the cold sea water. A grey seal pup only stays with its mother for the first three weeks of its life so every drop of milk counts. In fact, just within those first few weeks, the seals will grow up to three or four times their original birth weight. After that their mother heads off and leaves them to discover the world on their own.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GREY 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 GREY SEALS DANGEROUS?

Here in Cornwall, grey seals (males in particular) grow to very 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 GREY 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.

SHOULD YOU FEED GREY SEALS?

You should NEVER feed seals! Seals are extremely efficient hunters and do not need handouts from people. Feeding seals creates an association between boats or people and food, and if seals become accustomed to coming close to boats, they are then at high risk of a boat strike. Humans dangling a fish for a seal put themselves at risk of a very nasty bite if the seal mistakes your arm or hand or food.

WHAT IS A GROUP OF GREY SEALS CALLED?

A group of seals is known as a colony, a rookery or a herd. However, grey seals are often solitary and will hunt and travel alone, only coming together to rest in safe places or to breed.

WHAT NOISE DOES A GREY SEAL MAKE?

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

Grey Seals

Grey seals are mostly located in the colder, northern waters of the UK. However, there are also significant breeding colonies situated off the coast of Lincolnshire, Wales, Northumberland, and also here in Cornwall.

About Grey Seals

Scientific Name: Halichoerus grypus

Grey seals are mostly located in the colder, northern waters of the UK. However, there are also significant breeding colonies situated off the coast of Lincolnshire, Wales, Northumberland, and also here in Cornwall. Grey seals are a fairly common sight around our coastline and our safaris will take visitors to coves and offshore islands where you’re likely to spot some.

Grey seals are actually a globally rare species. We’ve got about 40% of the world’s grey seal population just in UK waters. However, to put it into perspective, there are still fewer grey seals in the UK than red squirrels. So here at Padstow Sealife Safaris, we’re lucky to see as many as we do; spotting them on around 95% of our trips!

Share with a friend:

40 years

Average Lifespan

Fish

Diet

300,000

Population

Did you know?

Seal whiskers are highly sensitive helping them to feel out and chase prey. Even blind seals can still hunt effectively in the wild using their other senses to help them hunt.

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

Book a boat trip at pretty much anytime and you will 95% see a grey seal, the odd occasion where they will be feeding but your best chance is with our Seal Safari Tour, this is a fun and safe way to see some amazing scenery and sealife. Our boat trips are a truly magical experience, especially with all the Cornish marine wildlife out there to see.

FAQs about Grey 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.

Grey Seals

About Grey Seals

40 years

Fish

300,000

Did you know?

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

FAQs about Grey Seals

More of cornwall's amazing sealife...

Seals

Dolphins

Harbour Porpoise

Seabirds

Jellyfish

Sharks

Whales

Fish

start your ocean adventure today.

Boat Trips & Tours

Quick Links

Latest Posts

Exploring the Ocean Food Chain: Some Fascinating Facts

Wildlife Sightings: Taking a look back over the 2024 season.

The Gentle Giants of Cornwall’s Seas: Exploring Massive Marine Life

Connect

Our boat trips are great in all weather conditions!