First Harbour Seal Pups of the Season on Helgoland - Grey Seal Pupping Season Begins on Heligoland
The grey seal breeding season has commenced on Heligoland's dunes, with the first four pups spotted. Visitors can observe these newborns from a designated winter nature trail, equipped with special viewing points that maintain a safe 30-meter distance to protect the sensitive pups.
Heligoland, an island in the North Sea, is home to Germany's largest grey seal colony. The number of grey seal births on the island has been increasing steadily since 1996/97, reaching a peak last winter with 971 young seals counted during the pupping season. Newborn grey seals, known as pups, are covered in a long, white, woolly lanugo coat that is not waterproof. This coat provides some insulation but is eventually shed as the pups develop their waterproof fur.
Grey seals give birth between November and late January, with the dunes of Heligoland providing a protected environment for the vulnerable pups in their first weeks of life. The nature trail allows visitors to witness this remarkable event while ensuring the safety and well-being of the newborn seals.
The grey seal breeding season on Heligoland has begun, with the first four pups already sighted. The island's nature trail offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these newborns, with strict measures in place to maintain a safe distance and protect the sensitive pups. As the number of grey seal births continues to rise, Heligoland remains an important breeding ground for these fascinating creatures.
