Seals by the shore: Mammal Monday

When you look at the first picture below, you may not notice the seals by the shore. It just looks like a scenic California beach.

But if you zoom in a little more, you can see Northern Elephant Seals, Mirounga angustirostris, scattered all along the shore.

I took these pictures at the Elephant Seal Vista Point near San Simeon, California. Visitors can view the seals at this rookery from elevated platforms and boardwalks. Volunteers from Friends of the Elephant Seal are there to answer your questions.

You’ll get great views of these large sea mammals. Females weigh up to 2,000 pounds, while males can reach weights of 7,000 pounds. That’s HUGE! The southern species, Mirounga leonina, gets even bigger. Males can weigh up to 9,000 pounds.

Once again, I’m sharing this picture of two content-looking sleeping seals.

Mammal Monday

Bend Branches always appreciates your comments and likes. Comments may not appear right away since they’re screened for spam prior to posting. Thanks!