Common Seals

Common seals have nostrils that form a 'V' shape with a short muzzle and a rounded head. They have a uniform spotted coat with a paler underbelly. An adult is less than 6 feet long. Moist eyes, known as a mask,  are a  sign that the seal is not de-hydrated. The age of the seal is best determined by looking at the teeth. To learn more visit
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/19887/20877

Grey Seals

The grey seal's nostrils are almost parallel with a long muzzle, a 'roman nose' in males. Their colouring can vary, females have dark blotches on a light background and males are generally dark all over. Adults can be more than 6 feet long. When a seal is frightened the whites of the eyes show. To learn more visit
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/19887/20877

This grey seal pup is jet black! Grey seals are born with a coat of pure white fur, which they moult after the first few weeks of life. This one, who was spotted at Uyea, Northmavine, will have had a shock when he saw his reflection! It's not uncommon for male seal pups to turn out black.

Hooded Seals

Hooded seals live in the Arctic. This hooded seal probably floated south on an ice floe and then was washed ashore in Shetland. Hooded seals are extraordinary creatures. They weigh about 44 lbs when they are born, and their mother's milk is so rich that they double their weight in just four days when they are left to fend for themselves.

The picture of Ondine above shows her with a wet coat and in the one opposite her coat is dry.

                            Otters

Shetland has one of the U.K.'s biggest populations of otters. The sheltered voes are ideal for them. They also live by rocky shores and shallow water with a lot of seaweed cover where they hunt for fish and crabs.
 

                     Whales and Dolphins
 

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are regularly seen around Shetland's coastline and occasionally strand on beaches.