Quick answer
The grey seal is a large Atlantic pinniped with a straight 'Roman' profile, weighing up to 230 kg and living about 35 years. UK colonies hold nearly half the world population. Pups are born with white lanugo coats on autumn beaches.
Key takeaway
The grey seal is a large Atlantic pinniped with a straight 'Roman' profile, weighing up to 230 kg and living about 35 years. UK colonies hold nearly half the world population. Pups are born with white lanugo coats on autumn beaches.
Grey Seal overview
Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) is a mammal listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 100–230 kg (220–510 lb); males larger; lifespan around 25–35 years in the wild.
Grey Seal ecology
Diet: Carnivore — fish, squid, and crustaceans. Habitat: North Atlantic coasts, islands, and ice edges. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Grey Seals and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild grey seals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Grey Seal profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild grey seals.
Human interest and research
Grey Seals feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Grey Seal FAQs
What are key facts about grey seals?
The grey seal is a large Atlantic pinniped with a straight 'Roman' profile, weighing up to 230 kg and living about 35 years. UK colonies hold nearly half the world population. Pups are born with white lanugo coats on autumn beaches.
What is the scientific name of the grey seal?
Halichoerus grypus — used in research and conservation listings for grey seals.
What do grey seals eat?
Grey Seals eat fish, squid, and crustaceans, with seasonal and regional variation in North Atlantic coasts, islands, and ice edges.
Where do grey seals live?
They are associated with North Atlantic coasts, islands, and ice edges. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of grey seals?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.