Gray Seal Sounds

What sound does a gray seal make?

Gray seals growl, hoot, hiss, and snort. On crowded beaches they grumble and growl at neighbours who get too close, and their eerie hooting calls across the water have been compared to ghostly singing — some say they inspired old sailors' mermaid legends.

Seal pups have a completely different voice: they cry 'maaa' almost exactly like human babies, which helps mothers find their own pup among hundreds on the beach.

About the Gray Seal

Gray seals are large marine mammals found in cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. These skilled swimmers can dive to depths of up to 300 meters and stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. Gray seals have a thick layer of blubber that keeps them warm in cold waters and helps them maintain their streamlined shape. They are opportunistic feeders, primarily eating fish, but also consuming squid and crustaceans. During breeding season, males engage in fierce competitions to establish dominance and mating rights. Gray seals play an important role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey.

Gray Seal questions

What sound does a gray seal make?

Gray seals growl and snort on land, hoot eerily across the water, and pups cry 'maaa' like human babies so their mothers can find them.

Do seals really sing?

Gray seals make haunting hooting and moaning calls, especially females — researchers think these long-distance calls may be behind some mermaid and selkie legends.