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gray seal
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Gray seal (Halichoerus grypus).
The grey seal: Germany's largest predator
Diving with seals: A glimpse into the North Sea ecosystem
How grey seal pups adapt and survive on Helgoland island
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Gray seal (Halichoerus grypus).
Gray seal (Halichoerus grypus).

gray seal

mammal
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Also known as: Halichoerus grypus, grey seal
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Article History
The grey seal: Germany's largest predator
1 of 3
The grey seal: Germany's largest predatorOverview of the gray seal.
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Diving with seals: A glimpse into the North Sea ecosystem
2 of 3
Diving with seals: A glimpse into the North Sea ecosystemLearn about the gray seal, and watch as it hunts a cat shark.
See all videos for this article
How grey seal pups adapt and survive on Helgoland island
3 of 3
How grey seal pups adapt and survive on Helgoland islandA gray seal nursing her young while two males fight for control of the beach on Germany's Helgoland island.
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gray seal, (Halichoerus grypus), seal of the family Phocidae, found in North Atlantic waters along the coast of Newfoundland, in the British Isles, and in the Baltic region. It is spotted gray and black and is characterized by a robust appearance and heavy head. The male grows to about 3 metres (10 feet) in length and 300 kg (660 pounds) in weight; the female is smaller. Gregarious and rather slow-moving, the gray seal is commonly found near rocks and cliffs. It feeds on fish and breeds in late winter (autumn in Britain), the male gathering a harem of about 10 females. Litters usually contain a single white-coated pup.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.