Hey there! Today, we're talking about the Common Seal otherwise known as the Harbour Seal, a cute seal that lives in the United Kingdom. Imagine you're walking along the UK coast, and you see a lovely seal sunbathing on the rocks. These seals are experts at living in the ocean and can be found from the Shetland Islands to the Isles of Scilly.
Ever wondered what these seals do all day? Well, they love soaking up the sun on rocks or sandy spots. But don't be fooled by their relaxed looks – they're also really good at swimming in the sea and doing cool tricks.
Family is really important to these seals, especially when it's time for seal pups to be born. The shores become lively with adorable baby seals relying on their mums for everything until they're brave enough to swim on their own.
Even though seals can't speak English, they're amazing at talking underwater. They make unique sounds like "gulping" and expressive grunts to communicate.
Guess what? Seals aren't just on the coast; they sometimes visit cities! They've been seen in estuaries and even big urban areas like London. It's a reminder that nature and city life can get along just fine.
Because of changes in the ocean and what people do, it's important to help take care of these seals. We can do things like keeping the waters clean and using fishing practices that don't harm them.
By Wordless symbol at English Wikipedia - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4255603
Want to have some seal fun? Try going on a Seal Spotting Safari with some binoculars. You might see playful seal antics! Or, take part in a Seal Selfie Competition by taking cute seal pictures and sharing them online.
If you're into helping, you can do Seal Savvy Volunteering. Join marine conservation efforts like beach clean-ups or spreading awareness. Every little bit helps!
Now, how can we tell the difference between the two types of seals in the UK?
The Common Seals are smaller with a sleek body and a round head whereas the Grey Seals are bigger with a bulkier body and a longer snout, often called a "Roman nose."
Common Seals have a coat that goes from light grey to brownish-grey with dark spots but the Grey Seals have a speckled coat ranging from light to dark grey, with distinctive dark spots.
Common Seals are in northern waters, around Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides, and also on the east coast and parts of Ireland. The Grey Seals are mostly around Scottish coastal waters but can be found along the East Coast as far south as Norfolk.
Common Seals like shallower waters and estuaries, and they rest on rocks or sandbanks. Grey Seals live in various places, including coastal areas and islands, and are often found on rocky shores and sandy beaches.
Common Seals are usually alone or in small groups. Grey Seals are social and can be in big groups, especially during breeding season.
Common Seals make different sounds, like grunts and growls, especially when it's breeding season. Grey Seals also make sounds, including special "singing" noises during breeding season.
So, even though they're both seals, Common Seals and Grey Seals have some clear differences. And remember, the Common Seal isn't just a water resident – they're like the friendly ambassadors of our coasts. So, if you're by the sea, keep an eye out for these wonderful marine creatures! 🌊🦭
Check your understanding
Where can Common Seals be found along the UK coast, and what specific areas do they inhabit?
What activities do Common Seals enjoy during the day?
Why is family important to Common Seals, and what role do mothers play during the pupping season?
How do Common Seals communicate underwater, and what are some examples of the sounds they make?
In what unexpected places have seals been observed, and what does this indicate about the coexistence of nature and city life?
Vocabulary
Estuaries: Estuaries are partially enclosed coastal areas where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.
Pupping Season: This term refers to the time when seals give birth to their young ones, called pups. It's a crucial period for the growth and development of the seal population.
Binoculars: Optical instruments used for magnified viewing at a distance. Binoculars help you see things that are far away more clearly.
Coexistence: The state of living together or existing at the same time. In the context of the text, it refers to the idea that nature and city life can peacefully exist alongside each other.
Conservation: The protection, preservation, and sustainable use of natural resources, in this case, the Common Seals. It involves efforts to prevent their decline and maintain their habitats.
Beach Clean-ups: Activities where people gather to clean up litter and debris from beaches, helping to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Speckled: Covered or marked with a large number of small spots or patches of colour.
Gregarious: This term describes animals that are social and tend to form groups or colonies.
Habitat: The natural environment in which an organism or community of organisms lives.
Acrobatic Prowess: Acrobatic refers to the ability to perform physical feats with skill and agility, and prowess means skill or expertise.
Ambassadors: In this context, ambassadors are representatives or symbols. The Common Seal is described as an ambassador of the coasts, representing and symbolizing the marine life in those areas.