Keep well out of their way. This is the largest species of seal. Adult males reach 4-5m nose to tail length, and 3.6 tonnes in weight. Females are 2-3m long and weigh about 900 kg. Immediately after moulting they are dark grey but this fades through the year to greyish brown.
Large bulls can be heavily scarred from fights with other males during the breeding season.
Their most outstanding feature is their inflatable snout, which reaches full development only in adult males. All seals should be treated with caution. They have large teeth, and can become aggressive. They also move surprisingly fast on land. Fur seals can bite with up to 2 tonnes per cm' pressure.