Gray Seal
Halichoerus grypus

f8 @ 1/2500s, ISO:800, Nikon D3S w 300mm

\"Grey Seal,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.The grey seal is found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a large seal of the family Phocidae or \"true seals\". It is the only species classified in the genus Halichoerus. Its name is spelled gray seal in the US; it is also known as Atlantic seal and the horsehead seal.It is a large seal, with bulls reaching 2.5–3.3 m (8.2–10.8 ft) long and weighing 170–310 kg (370–680 lb); the cows are much smaller, typically 1.6–2.0 m (5.2–6.6 ft) long and 100–190 kg (220–420 lb) in weight. Individuals from the western Atlantic are often much larger, males reaching 400 kg (880 lb) and females weighing up to 250 kg (550 lb). It is distinguished from the harbor seal by its straight head profile, nostrils set well apart, and fewer spots on its body. Bull Greys have larger noses and a less curved profile than common seal bulls. Males are generally darker than females, with lighter patches and often scarring around the neck. Females are silver grey to brown with dark patches.

Momomoy Island, Chatham, Massachusetts

09/02/2015