There are two species of seal that breed in the UK – the common seal and the grey seal. They might look awkward on land, lolling on beaches and flapping their flippers, but in the water these animals are like ballerinas, gracefully twisting, turning and dancing through bubbles. Here are six scintillating seal facts...
1. They've got flexible spines which help them twist and turn.
2. Female grey seals gather together in autumn to have their pups at 'rookeries'
3. Common seals don't chew their food – they just tear off chunks or even swallow it whole!
4. The Latin name for grey seal means ‘hook-nosed sea pig’.
5. Half the world's population of grey seals is found on Britain's coasts.
6. Seals have a layer of blubber under their skin, which not only keeps them warm but also helps them float, stores energy and protects their organs.
So now you know the facts, it's time to go seal watching! You’ve got one month left to visit our free Greatham Creek Date With Nature. Enjoy the sight of grey seals frolicking in the River Tees or snoozing on the mud. If you can’t make it to Greatham Creek, check out the Saltholme blog instead, which has videos of the Greatham Creek seals leaping through the water and playing with a plastic pipe!
There are also several RSPB nature reserves where you can see seals – check this list to see if there's a reserve with seals near you.
Finally, if you want to 'seal' a better deal for these gorgeous animals, sign our marine petition to ask the Government to protect sealife.