Common Seal

The Common Seal also known as the Harbour Seal is the second and smaller seal species found in the UK. Common seals normally reach lengths of around 180cm on average and have a lighter grey-brown or grey spotted pattern to their fur. They are distinguished from the Grey Seal by their shorter snout and nostrils which are diagonal to each other and form a V shape. In comparison to the "dog-like" Grey Seal, Harbour Seals are often referred to as being more "cat-like".

There is a breeding colony of Common Seals just down the coast from Sunderland at Seal Sands on the mouth of the River Tees. Common Seals are known to swim into rivers to hunt and can sometimes be spotted upstream on the River Wear.