Testosterone goes with the territory - quite literally!

A 'family' drama played out on the haul out beach on Saturday morning. Millie, Mum of pup 2005H, finally gave in to the charms of the dominant male who has been hanging around hopefully and patiently for her attention over the last fortnight. He got his reward and was able to mate with Millie in the shallows. Gripping her neck firmly in his teeth, he lay with Millie for around 10 minutes, before an immature seal unwittingly strays into their path. The mating couple are forced apart and Millie swims off as the young seal realises he needs to beat a hasty retreat too! Suddenly alone, the frustrated dominant male storms aggressively through a small group of hauled seals and when one sleepy seal doesn't move out of the male's way fast enough, he suffers the indignity of receiving a bite on his neck that draws blood. Oblivious to the whole encounter, the still white-coated pup is left howling alone on the water's edge, calling for a mother who will not return. At around 16 days old, this young pup is weaned and now has to learn to feed itself before its considerable fat reserves run out.

Mum 'Millie' mates with male (Left) : Two's company - three's a crowd! (Mid) : Taking his frustration out on another seal (Right.)

Photos above taken by Simon Bone. Visit his excellent website 'Cornish Seals' by following this link.

2 days old : Skin & bone (Left) : 9 days old : Fluffy & fat (Mid) : 16 days old : Rotund & wet (Right.)