Newborn gray seals are born with a white lanugo or coat. The pups are born weighing ~30 to 40 lbs and are 35” to 43” inches long. They will nurse for 3 weeks where the pups will gain about 100 lbs during that time!
Description
Grey seals are sexually dimorphic (2 distinct gender forms) in both size and coloration. Males are significantly larger with thicker necks and shoulders than females. Males also have wider, more rounded snouts and a darker coloration than females. However, both sexes are some shade of black with white specks and splotches that vary from whiteish to black in color.
Status in the Wild
Populations appear to be increasing in most areas of their habitats. They are not threatened with habitat destruction or habitat fragmentation.
Conservation Programs
Listed as of "least concern" on the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources).