1997_us_tag_crop_sm
mako-from-barb-for-ted
scotanderson3_sm
Whale shark
rw1096sm
doubletag_left_ext_sm
abftGTOPPLC
esealGTOPPLC
leatherbackbeauty

Northern Elephant Seals

Scientific Name: Mirounga angustirostrisesealtagging

 

Elephant seals are named for the large, trunk-like proboscis which characterizes adult males.  They are the largest living seals, although the northern species is somewhat smaller than the southern species.  Adult males may grow to over 4 m (13 ft.) in length, and weigh up to 2,000 kg (4,500 lbs.), while females grow to 3 m (10 ft.), and 600 kg (1,500 lbs.).

 

Northern elephant seals are found throughout the North Pacific, from Baja California, Mexico to the Aleutian Islands.  They spend a significant portion of their time far offshore, making repeated dives hundreds of meters deep.  In winter they return to their breeding beaches in California and Mexico to breed; and they come ashore again in spring or summer, for 2-3 weeks, to molt their fur.

Pinniped Updates