Gray SealHalichoerus grypusWhere and when to see them

The gray seal is a large North Atlantic seal with a long muzzle and a strongly variable coat, ranging from pale silver with dark blotches to almost charcoal. Males are substantially heavier than females and develop especially imposing heads. Once heavily persecuted around parts of New England, the species has recovered in many areas under protection. It remains a wild marine predator, using beaches and rocky islands for essential rest.

Size

1.7-2.6 m long

Weight

100-300 kg

Lifespan

25-35 years

Status

Least Concern

Gray seals alternate feeding trips with periods hauled out on sandbars, beaches or rocks. They may gather densely at favored resting places, although crowding often produces growls, flipper waving and short disputes. During breeding, males compete for access to females rather than maintaining permanent pairs. Pups initially wear a pale insulating coat and nurse on exceptionally rich milk before becoming independent. Resting animals can move surprisingly quickly when disturbed. Adult males can weigh significantly more than females, reaching up to 880 pounds, while females typically weigh around 550 pounds. Pups are born with a thick, white lanugo coat that is shed after about three to four weeks, revealing a denser, adult-like coat.

• The scientific genus name means sea pig.
• Females nurse their pups for only about three weeks.
• Males may have much darker necks and shoulders than females.
• Individuals can sometimes be recognized from persistent coat patterns.

New England offers coastal observation opportunities throughout the year, with late spring through autumn generally providing easier travel and longer daylight. Winter pupping occurs at some regional colonies, but this is a sensitive period rather than an invitation to approach breeding beaches. While generally elusive in summer, increased numbers can be observed during the fall and winter months as they migrate south or gather for breeding. Late winter offers the best chance to see newly born pups at established breeding colonies, though always from a respectful distance.

This species occupies cool temperate and subarctic coasts of the North Atlantic. In New England, exposed islands, tidal shoals and quiet beaches provide resting and pupping habitat, while nearby continental-shelf waters support feeding. Suitable haul-outs change with tides and weather. Their New England range extends from Maine south to Cape Cod, occasionally reaching as far as New Jersey. Specific island groups and remote coastal areas are crucial for their large breeding aggregations.

Gray seals eat a broad variety of fish, including sand lance, herring, cod relatives and flatfish, as well as squid and other marine prey. Diet varies locally and seasonally. They often forage near the seabed but also pursue schooling fish. Studies show that gray seals are opportunistic foragers, adapting their diet based on prey availability and local abundance. They are also known to consume crustaceans and cephalopods, further demonstrating their diverse diet.

Common name

Gray Seal

Scientific name

Halichoerus grypus

Animal group

Mammals

Size

1.7-2.6 m long

Weight

100-300 kg

Lifespan

25-35 years

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Compared with harbor seals, gray seals have a longer, straighter muzzle, more widely separated nostrils and a less rounded head. Adult males often display a dark, almost black coat with lighter patches, while females are generally lighter, with dark spots on a gray or tan background. Younger seals tend to have a lighter, often silver-gray coat.