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.
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.
Not certain it is a Northern Elephant Seal? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Northern Elephant Seal sightings near you
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