Bulls seals are back!

It’s the time of the year when mature male Australian Fur Seals, also known as bulls, arrive at Seal Rocks. These enormous visitors can weigh up to 360kg, more than twice the weight of a female fur seal. Mature males only come to the breeding colonies during the summer mating season, and watching them claim and defend their territories is an absolute must-see for wildlife enthusiasts!

Having reached their maximum weight after 9 months of feeding in Bass Strait, the bulls are at their strongest and will do anything to defend their harem of up to 10 or more females. Witness these heavyweights bounce along on the rocks, grunting loudly, chasing and even biting other males. The viscious fights can sometimes end in severe injuries, and even death!

Territorialism is serious business and bulls will actually stop feeding during these breeding months, and will stay in their claimed locations, only moving into rockpools to cool off from the hot summer sun.

Bull seals have unique calls that they use to maintain territorial boundaries. They can distinguish between their territorial neighbour and a potential challenger, which reduces the need for fights and helps them conserve their energy. From early December onwards, females would have given birth to their pups and are ready to mate.