Scilly's Nature Scilly's Special Species Grey seal Name: Grey seal | Halichoerus grypus Size: Bulls (males) average about 2.5 metres (7.5 feet) in length; cows (females) average about 1.8 metres (5.9 feet) in length Life span: Bulls (males) can live up to 30 years but cows (females) can live up to 40 years in the wild Diet: Predominantly fish (i.e. sand eels, pollock, flatfish), but will eat crustaceans (e.g crab & lobster), squid, octopus and sometimes even seabirds. Reproduction: Females (of breeding age, approximately 5 years) give birth to a single pup between August & December When to see: All year round Where to see: Sheltered bays and rocky outcrops i.e. Pelistry, St Mary's | Great Bay, St Martins | Great Par, Bryher in Scilly. Alternatively, head out with a WiSe accredited boating provider to the Eastern Isles or Western Rocks (Help us with monitoring our Seal populations by sending any photos you take to Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust!) Conservation status: ICUN Redlist | Least Concern. Population Trend: Increasing Threats: Pollution, human activity (e.g. fishing ordisturbance), climate change (changes in weather patterns, changing sea temperatures). Fun Fact: Grey seals are protected in Britain under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970. Despite their conservation status and increasing population trends they are actually a globally rare species; there are more red squirrels in the UK than there are grey seals! Description: Grey seals are the largest carnivore to be found on Britain's shores. They are among the rarest seals in the world, with the UK grey seal colonies representing around 40% of the total world population and 95% of the European population! The grey seal can be distinguished from the common seal by its larger size and longer head with a sloping 'roman nose' profile (the scientific name of the grey seal translates literally to “hook-nosed sea-pig”). Looking straight on, their nostrils are parallel, rather than v-shaped as with common seals. Grey seal pups they are born with white fur, which they start to shed at around two to three weeks of age to reveal their grey adult coats (on occasion melanistic or pure black seals are revealed at this point). Grey seals fur patterns and colour varies hugely, including grey, cream, brown, black markings; their fur patterns are unique (much like a finger print) and can be used to identify individuals. Seals sleep both on land and in the water. They tend to sleep hauled out on land when they are searching for warmth, to escape from rough seas or when they have pups. When seals sleep in the water, they sleep in a position known as "bottling" (floating vertically in the water column with their noses above the surface). They sleep with only half their brain, to remain aware of their surroundings and potential dangers, they can also open and close their nostrils to prevent water from entering and drowning. Between September and January pups are regularly spotted on the beaches of our inhabited islands. They generally come ashore for a rest or sometimes because they are unwell. When pups are found on our beaches they are left to their own devices if they look healthy. If they are looking unwell then our local vet, Heike, and a number of on-island BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic volunteers are trained to respond appropriately and will sometimes take them into care before getting them flown to the BDMLR Cornwall Seal Hospital. Call BDMLR if you find a seal that you believe needs help to survive: 01825 765546. If you see a seal, of any age, hauled out resting please #RespectTheNap, give them a wide birth and #DoNotDisturb. Want to know more? Find out more about our work with Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, surveying, monitoring and Seal ID Do remember that we rely on donations to continue our work. If you have searched, found and learned about Scilly's wildlife on our website, please Support Us and give what you can. Thank you 💚 Support Us With thanks to BareFoot Photographer for the hauled out Seals image Here is a short film produced by Natural England highlighting the importance of Atlantic Grey Seals Whether you live in Scilly or are just visiting make sure you know how to "Watch Wildlife Safely" for their benefit and yours! Before you head out on the water take a look at our handy leaflet which gives loads of advice on how to watch wildlife safely - click on the image below