An estimated dozen black seal pups were recently discovered by rangers at Blakeney Point, a nature reserve on the Norfolk coast of England. The discovery surprised the wildlife authorities because just one puppy out of every 400 is born with a black coat.
Despite having a white coat at birth, grey seals alter their fur around two to three weeks old. As their name implies, they naturally reveal a grey coat.
A small percentage of the puppies do, however, exhibit velvet black coats due to a hereditary disorder called melanism. Melanism results in an excessive amount of black pigmentation, in contrast to albinism, which causes a lack of skin pigmentation.
Despite frequently being born white, according to National Trust representatives, grey seals eventually lose their fur, causing their coats to change color. As their name suggests, they only exhibit a black, velvety coat when they moult.
The National Trust encourages people to avoid approaching seals or seal pups if they come upon them. “Please keep your distance if you ever meet a seal or a pup,” the warning reads. “Do not approach or disturb these wild animals in any way, as this may cause unnecessary stress.”
