Seal of Disapproval

A female Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) barks her disapproval at a bull seal at Winterton, Norfolk. During the pupping season these interactions are not uncommon as bulls get too close to pups, stray into the territory of other social groups or make unwelcome advances to mate with cows whose pups are not yet weaned. The behaviour ranges from what resembles “a good telling off” to biting and scratching with vicious claws. Although the female’s main priority is to protect and feed her pup there comes a point where she is receptive to mating and 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 and improving the life chances of her offspring the following season.