Description:
Short body and flippers are topped with a large head and snub nose. The colour varies from grey, brown, black to tan with a varied non uniform pattern.
Distribution:
Found throughout most coastal areas of the British Isles, though rarer off the west of England and Wales; preponderance is found around The Wash.
Habitat:
The Common Seal may be found on both rocky outcrops and sandy environments.
Reproduction:
Becoming mature at 3 - 5 years, and after mating at sea in the autumn, the female Common Seal gives birth to one pup which she suckles even in water. After weaning the pup, the female will begin mating once again.
Predators:
Culling has sometimes taken place in order to control seal numbers, and seals may be caught in fishing nets and drown.
Status:
Found throughout the British Isles the Common Seal is not considered to be endangered.
Did You Know?:
Young Common Seals can swim and crawl within a few hours of birth.
