Fauna Flora Photography

Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus

A large seal found along the shores in the North Atlantic area. Feeds on fishes near the coast down to a depth of 70m.

Specs

Length2.1-2.4m
Weight180-270kg

Common Names

GermanKegelrobbe
EnglishGrey Seal
FrenchPhoque Gris
SpanishFoca Gris

Taxonomy

OrderCarnivora
FamilyPhocidae
SpeciesHalichoerus grypus

How to Identify

Similar in appearance like the Harbour Seal. The distinctive characteristic is the shape of the head. The Grey Seal has a dog snout like nose and mouth, best noticed when seen from the side.

Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) - Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - 2021-08-20

Where and When to Spot

Grey Seals are around all year. Our observations of foraging animals happened during August in Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park.

Videos of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)

Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) - Curious, Approaching

Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park
2021-08-22

Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) - Curious, Approaching

Last updated on 2023-12-18. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.