Premiered Oct 24, 2021
This video shows more than one grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) interacting with experienced research diver Ben "Sealdiver" Burville.
These are wild grey seals - not pets.
The fascinating aspect here is how these wild mammals appear to actually seek and enjoy the physical contact of a stroke from the diver. The video opens questions regarding animal behaviour and trust.
Make no mistake, the seals here are in control of the underwater encounter and it is on their terms.
Some people will be critical of the encounter shown, quoting the adage of "look but don't touch" or "never touch wildlife". In general this approach is both sensible and safe, but it shows a lack of experience of diving in the vicinity of such seals who (once they feel they can trust a diver) will often actively initiate direct contact. Usually this is play behaviour and involves a seal tracking the hydrodynamic trail from the divers fins and approaching from behind. The first the diver will know is an unexpected nibble on their fins.
There may also be an inconvenient truth for some observers, including some scientists, that certain wild animals experience emotions far closer to ours than is "comfortable" to comprehend.
It should be noted that I NEVER use food or bait around these intelligent mammals. To do so would alter behaviour and could in fact be dangerous.
Grey seals are large carnivores with males weighing up to a max 350kg (avg.220kg) and females avg. 154kg. They have a range of bacteria/viruses in their mouths including some rather unpleasant pathogens (Mycoplasma species/ Strep halichoerus etc), sharp teeth and powerful bites.
I have spent over 20 year observing, recording and studying the underwater behaviour of seals around the UK coast. Key to what the seals have taught me is how to dive around them in a way that they feel relaxed and at ease. This often involves extended duration dives and building trust by specific body movements, sounds and buoyancy control.
Seals are inquisitive, intelligent and playful. They are certainly all individuals.
With regards to emotions I am always mindful to avoid anthropomorphism.
At the same time I have no doubt that seals can exhibit a range of emotions.
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So much like my beloved doggies.
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