Elephant Seals

Elephant Seals are large marine mammals. Though they were hunted to almost extinction until recently, they are making a comeback along the pacific coast of USA.

When they are not hunting for food or fighting to establish their hierarchy, they are just lounging around, especially in the afternoon.

They have beautiful shiny skin, and their blubber is full of oil making them a target. They go through molting once a year, a process where they shed their outer layer.

They live in different size groups. You can find several of them in the San Simeon area in Central California coast, USA. There is an Elephant Seal Viewing area near San Simeon along Highway 1. There is a long boardwalk along the cost where you can view the mammals in their natural habitat. You don’t need binoculars to view them. But don’t get too close to them after all they are wild and react unpredictably. They have sharp teeth and can bite off a chunk. Give them their space and don’t disturb them.