Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus d 1 of 4 Photos
I was watching a group of Harbour (Common) and Grey Seals hauled out on the beach at Horsey, Norfolk during the first week of June when a big male Grey Seal caught my attention at the water's edge. It seemed to be holding down another smaller seal and when other seals approached it behaved aggressively towards them. The struggle continued for some time but the malevolent looking big bull clearly had the upper hand. Nov. - Dec. is the breeding seasons for Grey Seals on the east coast towards the latter part of which time male/male competition can be intense. This behaviour was, therefore, very unusual in that it was seen at a time of year when Grey Seals should not be competing (or mating). My thanks to Tim Melling for his explanation and interpretation concluding that the big size difference makes it likely that this behaviour was probably sexual aggression towards a non willing female.
Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus d 1 of 4 Photos
I was watching a group of Harbour (Common) and Grey Seals hauled out on the beach at Horsey, Norfolk during the first week of June when a big male Grey Seal caught my attention at the water's edge. It seemed to be holding down another smaller seal and when other seals approached it behaved aggressively towards them. The struggle continued for some time but the malevolent looking big bull clearly had the upper hand. Nov. - Dec. is the breeding seasons for Grey Seals on the east coast towards the latter part of which time male/male competition can be intense. This behaviour was, therefore, very unusual in that it was seen at a time of year when Grey Seals should not be competing (or mating). My thanks to Tim Melling for his explanation and interpretation concluding that the big size difference makes it likely that this behaviour was probably sexual aggression towards a non willing female.