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7 December 2009
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Seal Identification Day in the Life Of
  Identification...

There are distinctive differences between Common and Grey seals...

The two species of seal found regularly around our coastline are the Common or Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina) and the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus).
Common Seal profile
Common Seal
recognised by its short muzzle and V shaped nostrils

More about the Common Seal...
 Common Seal front
     
Grey Seal profile

Grey Seal
recognised by its elongated muzzle and parallel nostrils

More about the Grey Seal...

 Grey Seal Front
Common Seal
Grey Seal
1.8m/100kg
size-male
 2.5m/300kg
1.5m/80kg
birth weight
 1.8m/175kg
10kg
size-female
 15kg
20kg
weaned weight
 45kg
June/July
born
September-December
white coat shed before birth pups can swim within an hour
early life
 pups prefer to stay out of water until white coat is shed at 3-4 weeks
3-4 weeks
lactation
 2-3 weeks
www.exploris.org.uk
Tania Johnston is the Seal Rehabilitation Officer at Exploris. Find out what her working day entails...
Seal Identification

Do you know a common seal from a grey seal? Here are some identification tips...
Seal Gallery
Seal
Browse through the photos of seals who have been rehabilitated at Exploris...

 



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