Why Do The Seals Come To Horsey?

Each year grey seals come ashore at Horsey to give birth and mate. The pups, with their distinctive white fur coats, are fed for the first three weeks of their lives. Their mother’s milk is 60 per cent fat and they rely on this after they are weaned.

Why do seals Go to Horsey Beach?

Tucked down a sandy track is Horsey Gap beach which in late autumn becomes a magnet to breeding seals. Come mid October heavily pregnant seals begin to arrive on Horsey Beach, the day after arrival they give birth. Then the bull seals arrive to help feed and protect the mothers and pups.

Will there be seals at Horsey beach now?

The seals at Horsey usually start to have their pups in late October/early November and carry on until early February so there’s a big window of opportunity for you to visit.

What time of year are seals at Horsey?

Horsey is a quiet village of around 100 residents. Miles of golden sandy beach nearby has made it a popular family holiday destination in the summer. The ever-growing seal colony has become a winter tourist attraction as well, especially from November to the January, when the seals give birth.

What time of day is best to see seals at Horsey?

It is a good idea to go somewhat early in the day as the car park is a bit small and you may find difficulty parking at peak times. When we went in dec we were leaving about noon and the cars had to start parking further up the road. Also the car park machine only takes coins so make sure to have some.

Why are there so many seals in Norfolk?

One of the main reasons that the seals in Norfolk are here in abundance is the huge expanse of flat sand and shallow waters which is perfect for giving birth, as well as the dunes that protect them.

Why should you stay away from seals?

If you come across a live seal please keep your distance as seals on shore are easily disturbed, and can in inflict a serious bite if agitated.

How long do the SEALs stay at Horsey Beach?

From late-October to January the grey seals flock to Horsey Beach so they can have their pups on the beach. The mothers will come ashore 24 hours before delivery. The newly born seal pups with white fur can’t go into the water right away.

Are SEALs friendly?

Seals are typically nonaggressive animals, incredibly inquisitive and playful. Like dogs, they tend to investigate everything with their mouths, whiskers and front flippers.

Can you see SEALs at Horsey in March?

The beach is full of Grey Seals between November to March/April each year which make it their home during their ‘pupping’ and moulting seasons.

How often do seals have to come up for air?

Harbor seals complete both shallow and deep dives while hunting, depending on the availability of prey. They can sleep underwater and come up for air once every 30 minutes.

Why do seals point their heads up?

They often haul out along the Pacific Coast from the Bering Sea to Baja California, sometimes in large numbers at established colony sites. Harbor seals are curious animals when in the water, and often lift their heads out of the water to look around.

Can you see seals in Norfolk without a boat trip?

If you want to see the seals in their natural habitat without taking a boat ride, Horsey Beach (also called Horsey Gap) is going to be your best bet. It’s one of the more wild beaches on the Norfolk coast, as there are no facilities, but there are plenty of seals in the winter months.

What time are seals most active?

When it’s hot and sunny, the seals typically leave the beach each morning by 7:00 or 8:00am at the latest. They’ll gradually return to the sand in the late afternoon or early evening, once the shade and/or tide has cooled off the sand.

What beach in Norfolk has seals?

Blakeney Point and Morston
The Point is a shingle spit managed by the National Trust and is a top spot to see the common and grey seals any time during the year. Seal watching trips usually last for one hour and run daily from Morston and Blakeney on the high tide.

Can you walk to see the seals in Norfolk?

The best way to get close and personal to the wildlife on Blakeney Point, is to book a trip on one of the locally operated ferry trips departing from Morston Quay. Please note: it is not possible to walk to see the seals on Blakeney Point.

Are there sharks on the Norfolk coast?

The coastal and marine areas off Norfolk are not renowned for their clear water and teaming sea life. Dolphins, whales and sharks are not a common feature of our offshore area.

Can you swim with seals in Norfolk?

During the summer months, Brancaster beach is a good spot to see seals in the water and you can swim here.

Where is the largest seal colony in the UK?

Blakeney Point
Blakeney Point is home to England’s largest grey seal colony with over 4,000 pups born each winter.

Will seals bite you?

Seals are large, powerful animals with sharp teeth and strong jaws, and will bite if they feel threatened.

Can you pet a seal if it approaches you?

Seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is against the law to touch, feed or otherwise harass seals. Harassment occurs whenever your behavior changes their behavior. The rule is to keep at least 50 yards, four car lengths, away — to give them their space.