Gray Seal
Gray Seal
Halichoerus grypus
Protected Status
MMPA Protected
Throughout Its Range
Quick Facts
Weight
550 to 880 pounds
Lifespan
25 to 35 years
Length
7.5 to 10 feet
Threats
Entanglement,
Illegal feeding and harassment,
Habitat degradation,
Chemical contaminants,
Oil spills and energy exploration,
Vessel collisions
Location
New England/Mid-Atlantic
About the Species
Gray seals are part of the "true seal" family, Phocidae. True seals lack external ear flaps and have short forelimbs that result in limited movement on land. Gray seals are sometimes called "horseheads" because of their large snouts.
Gray seals, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting gray seals. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study, learn more about, and protect this species.
MMPA Protected
- Throughout Its Range
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Mammalia | Order | Carnivora | Family | Phocidae | Genus | Halichoerus | Species | grypus |
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