Species › Mammals › Northern Elephant Seal

Northern Elephant Seal

Mirounga angustirostris

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)

The Northern Elephant Seal is the largest pinniped in the Northern Hemisphere, with bulls weighing up to 5,000 pounds and bearing the species' namesake inflatable proboscis used for amplifying their roaring displays. It nearly went extinct in the 19th century but has rebounded to over 100,000 animals, a remarkable conservation success. Elephant seals undertake two annual migrations totaling over 13,000 miles and dive to depths exceeding 5,000 feet.

Habitat
Pacific beaches for breeding; open ocean for foraging
Diet
Squid, fish, skates, and small sharks
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Northern Elephant Seal

The best time to see a Northern Elephant Seal is January–June, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,372 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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