Photos show transformation of rare black seals in Blakeney

Hanne Siebers, volunteer seal warden in Blakeney, photographed the animals between November and January.

Melanistic seals are distinctive for their velvety black coats due to an excess amount of melanin in their fur.

Seals are usually born with white fur (Image: Hanne Siebers)While seals are typically born white and shed their fur two or three weeks after birth, turning grey, around one in 400 seals will turn completely black.

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Ms Siebers caught this rare transformation on camera during this winter's pupping season from a small, restricted area where National Trust seal pup counts took place.

Moulting reveals the rare black coat (Image: Hanne Siebers)The seal-pupping season usually runs from October to January and thousands are born in Blakeney each year.

One of the unusual creatures was spotted earlier this month in Winterton by Emma Allard.

The animals were photographed over several months in Blakeney (Image: Hanne Siebers)Hanne Siebers has been a volunteer warden for the National Trust at Blakeney Point since 2018.

Her role involves giving advice and information to visitors and making sure the area is safe for both animals and people.