The Seal
There are two types of seal found in the sea around Ireland, the common seal (Rón beag) and the grey seal (Rón Glas). Adult female seals are called cows and males are called bulls. You are more likely to see the grey seal as they are more numerous. Also, the common seal is more timid.
The grey seal is also called the Atlantic seal and is found in the North Atlantic Ocean. They feed on fish, crustaceans, squid and octopus. The seal can turn its hind flippers forward to move on land. The female gives birth to one single pup and it is able to swim after a few hours.They all stay together as a family until winter, and then the pups can fend for themselves.
The pup is born with a creamy-white woolly coat. It drinks its mother's milk which is very rich and nourishing. It doubles its weight in only three weeks. After that it has to catch its own food. All seals are awkward on land and spend most of their lives in the sea.
By Jennifer Mealy and Jonathan Abbey
