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The northern elephant seal population was estimated to be 171,000 in 2005. [1] Beginning in the 18th century, northern elephant seals were hunted extensively, almost to extinction by the end of the 19th century, being prized for oil made from their blubber, and the population may have fallen as low as only 20–40 individuals. [1]
Northern elephant seal bulls reach a length of 4.3 to 4.8 m (14 to 16 ft) and the heaviest weigh about 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). [15] [16] The northern and southern elephant seal can be distinguished by various external features. On average, the southern elephant seal tends to be larger than the northern species. [12]
Elephant seals are at sea for most of the year and there are vast distances between their breeding and molting sites. The northern elephant seal is one of farthest mammalian migraters, traveling 18,000–21,000 km (11,000–13,000 mi). Otariids tend to migrate less than phocids, especially tropical species. [91]
Tracking data showed Monarch traveled well beyond what anyone thought a pup could do during its first migration. California elephant seal pup swam 5,000 miles to Alaska and back. See her ...
Elephant seals can reach over 13 feet in length and can weigh 4,400 pounds, or 2.2 tons, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They typically live about 19 years.
Northern elephant seals are known to have breeding grounds in the Southern California Bight, mostly on San Miguel and San Nicolas islands. Sea otters were once common in the Southern California Bight, but due to hunting, they have since mostly retreated to northern waters. Otter sightings in the Southern California Bight happen rarely.
There’s a reason the male elephant seals lounging on the sand look a bit ratty.
Stelephant started out as a pup in a small harem of northern elephant seals located at Año Nuevo State Reserve. [28] He grew into one of the most famous elephant seals ever, even appearing on The Colbert Report. At around eight years old, Stelephant weighed 4,500-pound (2,000 kg).