Foreshore Play

Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) fight in a pool of water left by the retreating tide prior to mating. These encounters can be quite vicious with the claws and teeth of the female often drawing blood. The cow appears to be reluctant to mate but this behaviour may form part of her mating strategy. By drawing attention to herself in this way she is likely to attract other potential mates increasing her chances of being impregnated by a more dominant bull. Alternatively, it could simply be a test of the bull’s strength and virility prior to mating.