Although grey seals have been reported to give birth in every month of the year, there is a regular time of year they tend to pup and that is between August and December. Female seals (cows) which are already pregnant will give birth to white, furry seal pups. After mating in Autumn the previous year, the female is able to delay the progress of the pregnancy. It is thought this is to ensure the health and survival of the mother seal through moulting, but also the ensure the timing of her next pup’s birth.
Several pups can be born at the same site – one per mother. The mothers will return to the sea but will keep an eye on their pup during this time. This gives the impression that they have been abandoned, but they are perfectly safe. This is a normal process and allows the mother to feed and mate again.