Unlike their name, grey seals can actually have a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. The females are usually lighter in appearance, especially around the neck, and have irregular patches of black or dark brown on a lighter background. The males usually have lighter spots on a dark brown, black, or gray background. However, there is much variation within the species. In fact, the immature animals may have spotting that resembles the coat of a harbor seal.
Grey seals live primarily in the northern North Atlantic in subarctic and temperate waters.
They are divided into three groups, including the western, eastern and Baltic groups. On average, the males of this species can reach 8 feet in length and up to 800 pounds, while the female is much smaller at only at only 7 feet in length and weighing 550 pounds. Adults may live to be over 40 years old, but the average life span is closer to 35 years, with the male's lifespan being somewhat shorter at 30 years. In order to distinguish this species from others, it helps to look at the face. Moreover, the eyes are set closer to the ear on the grey seal rather than further forward like those of the harbor seal.