Elephant Seal Viewing (U.S. National Park Service)

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the few places in California where you can see Mirounga angustirotris, the northern elephant seal. Individuals spend only a few weeks each year on shore, but there are elephant seals on the Point Reyes beaches throughout the year. While today you can see hundreds of elephant seals on our beaches in winter, a hundred years ago they were hunted to near extinction.

Northern elephant seals make semiannual visits to the beaches of Point Reyes—in winter for pupping and mating, and in spring and summer for molting. When they aren't on the beaches of Point Reyes, elephant seals migrate 12,000 to 14,000 miles over the course of a year in search of food!

Pupping and Breeding

January is when most of the pups are born. At birth, they are only 3–4 feet long (1–1.3 m) and weigh a mere 60 pounds (27 kg). In 33 days, the pups are weaned, at which time the females mate and then head out to sea to hunt for food and replenish the stores of fat and muscle lost while on the beach. Pups learn to swim on their own, gradually venturing out as they become hungry.

In February there's lots of activity. While some mothers are still nursing, the dominant bulls face off to defend their harems, both on the beach and out in the surf. They align their head and body at their rivals, rear up to show off their chest shields, raise their heads, and "trumpet." This sound often scares off other bulls, but a chase may ensue to drive the interloper off the beach.

Molting

Elephant seals undergo a "catastrophic molt"—unlike other mammals, they lose all their fur at once and grow a completely new coat. Their fur provides some insulation from the cold Pacific waters, so they remain on the beach during this month-long process. The pups molt in March and April before going to sea for the first time. Females and juveniles molt in April and May, and adult males in July and August. In the fall the juveniles return for a pre-breeding season haul out. 

Viewing elephant seals responsibly

Groups of elephant seals are a spectacular sight, but please keep at least 100 feet away from all marine mammals. Bulls may be triggered to fight each other when humans approach, separating a female from her pup or even crushing a pup. Seals have been known to bite or chase people when surprised or approached too closely. Even on a leash, dogs may threaten seals by barking, so please refrain from taking your pets to areas where seals may be present.

Each year the elephant seal population continues to grow. It's up to us and future generations to educate ourselves about the obstacles they face, so we can help ensure their continued survival.

Discover more about the elephant seals by visiting the park's Elephant Seals and Viewing Elephant Seals pages.