Grey Seal Pup Exploring the Surf

A Grey Seal pup (Halichoerus grypus) explores the surf at Winterton Beach, Norfolk. This playful scene looks harmless enough but until the pup has moulted its white baby fur (lanugo), and developed a dense waterproof pelt, it’s unable to swim. The pup is actually playing a very risky game where it could get swept away from the protection of its mother and her life sustaining milk. Worst still it could drown! However, curiosity always gets the better of these adorable pups who are drawn into danger, by the lure of the sea, as they explore the habitat which they will quickly learn to master.