Northern elephant seals will migrate twice a year between the Californian and Mexican beaches. They are unique in that, no other animal shows this type of biannual migratory pattern. On average, females will spend 300 days at sea while males will spend 250 days traveling. There are only three times per year when elephant seals will be visible on the shore. This occurs during the breeding season, molting (shedding skin) season, and in the fall. Most births will take place in January only a few days after the female has arrived onshore. Northern elephants undergo a shedding of fur in sheets that occur over the course of a few months which is not visible for most other marine species. Also, northern elephant seals spend a prolonged period of time traveling in the sea so it is extremely rare to be able to see them congregate on the beaches of CA and Mexico.
Fortunately, elephant seals are not currently endangered, however, they were at one time and subsequently underwent a genetic population bottleneck. This was due to the large number of seals that were killed for blubber oil in the 19th century. Today, the primary concerns for seals are the few that are shot and killed and collisions with boats or cars. Additionally, climate change remains a threat to many marine animals due to rising sea temperatures affecting the migration patterns and typical routines of these seals. If you see elephant seals on beaches during breeding season or molting season, be sure to keep a significant amount of distance between you and the animal. Most beaches that experience an influx of elephant seal breeding and migration will be closed during this period of time. However, they can be viewed from afar at several rookeries. This is a fantastic migratory event to experience if you live along the west coast or are traveling there between the months of December and March. It is also critical to observe these animals in their natural habitat as too often, marine animals are misused for entertainment in aquariums or theme parks. By observing elephant seals during their migratory patterns you can gain a better understanding of their lifestyle and place as simultaneous predators and prey in the ocean ecosystem.
Find out what Northern elephant seals sound like:
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