6. , is the second largest seal in the world. Adult males may grow to over 13 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds while females are smaller, growing up to 10 feet and weighing up to 1,700 pounds. Pups are born with a woolly black lanugo (downy hair) that is shed at about 3 weeks of age to reveal a silver-grey coat, similar to that of adults at about the time of weaning (28 days). The northern elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris, is the second largest seal in the world. San Miguel, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa islands all provide critical habitat. The molting process occurs on land, during which time the seal is susceptible to cold. Females soon arrive and associate with dominant males. As summer moves in they will molt so they have to stay on land for up to a month. At this time females will mate with one or more of the dominant males and then return to sea. What exactly do elephant seals do during those epic dives? Quick facts about the world's second largest seal! 3, As stated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is the world's main authority on the conservation status of species, the northern elephant seal has recovered from near extinction and population growth and is expected to continue over the coming decades. THEY MAINLY EAT SQUID. The have a large range in the Pacific Ocean and can be seen from Alaska to Mexico. Southern elephant seal pups are prey for sharks, leopard seals, and sea lions. The pups will remain on the shore for two weeks living off of fat reserves. The other 90% is spent in the water, diving and foraging for food, with only 11% of this time spent at the surface. Males journey north to the Aleutian Islands and the Gulf of Alaska, whereas females travel further west … Meet the northern elephant seal Like all true seals (phocids), the elephant seal lacks external ear flaps and crawls on land with rhythmic belly flops. This tends to occur more often in captivity than in the wild though and it is believed to be due to conditions presented by human interactions. They are carnivores living on a diet of squid , fish , rays , penguins , and some small species of sharks . They spend the rest of their time mostly underwater, hunting squids and fishes. The average lifespan of a southern elephant seal is 20 to 22 years, while the lifespan of a northern elephant seal is about 9 years. Research also shows that the majority of the pups are from the same males. It is surpassed only by its relative the southern elephant seal. Sexual dimorphism is spotted on this animal because the female usually has the weight 10 times less than the male the counterpart. These seals can dive very deep into the ocean, one was recorded to reach 5,788 feet! The northern elephant seal is yellowish or gray-brown, and the southern is blue-gray. At one time, however, this species was thought to have been hunted to extinction. Pups weigh 75 pounds or more and are about four feet in length. Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) Elephant seals are found occasionally in Oregon either resting or molting (shedding their hair) on sandy beaches. The population is renowned for its remarkable growth during the 20th century, following virtual annihilation by sealers in the 19th century. This impressive pinniped relies upon the Channel Islands National Park as an important part of its life cycle. A few animals were then discovered in 1892 which were captured and killed for scientific study. Marine Mammals of the World ID guide, Jefferson, Leatherwood and Webber, http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/education/marine-mammal-information/pinnipeds/northern-elephant-seal/, http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Mirounga_angustirostris/, http://www8.nos.noaa.gov/onms/park/Parks/SpeciesCard.aspx?pID=3&refID=1&CreatureID=49, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_elephant_seal, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/13581/0, http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/education/pinnipeds/nelephant.php. Grab some … The first elephant seals on Año Nuevo Island were sighted in 1955, and the first pup was born there in 1961. Due to its unique body structure, this mammal is an excellent swimmer and diver. More than half off all the males in a given group will never mate. They are very large and the males have what is similar to an elephant’s trunk on their face yet it is very short. Eventually, it was discovered that a population of about 20 to 100 individuals had survived. During this time, dominant males will often inflate their noses and produce a noise that sounds like a drum to warn lesser males away. Male elephant seals can be easily identified by their large proboscis, which resembles an elephant’s trunk (and is the source of their name). This small group managed to maintain a foothold in Mexico, despite the fact that by the end of the 1800's they were nearly hunted to extinction for their blubber. That was in the 1970’s but now there are almost 100,000 of them. The female, on the other hand, weighs about a third of the male, which is a dramatic example of sexual dimorphism, or physical size difference between the sexes of a species. The northern elephant seal is the second largest seal in the world. For the next two months, weaned pups, called "weaners","remain on rookery beaches, venturing into the water for short periods of time, perfecting their swimming and feeding abilities. The number of Northern Elephant Seals is very low due to being hunted by humans. Northern elephant seals are the largest of the “true”, or “earless”, seals in all of the Northern Hemisphere. They were presumed extinct by the 1880's, after being exploited by hunters and whalers seeking to use the animals' thick layer of blubber as an oil source. Facts. Introduction Males are the first to arrive, and they fight each other to establish dominance. Its population is thought to be stable. Some of them live where it is cold including Alaska while others prefer the warmer climate around Baja California. During that period of time they will live off the fat on their bodies. These seals range in color from light gray to dark black. Northern elephant seals are found in the North Pacific, from Baja California, Mexico to the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. Male seals can weigh up to 4.5 tons. The females are much smaller when it comes to weight with only about 2,000 pounds. Northern elephant seals are in the family Phocidae, the true seals. They include squid, fish, octopus, and even small sharks. The other 90% is spent in the water, diving and foraging for food, with only 11% of this time spent at the surface. At this time females will mate with one or more of the dominant males and then return to sea. In contrast, eared seals (otariidae), like sea lions, have visible ears and hind flippers that turn underneath their bodies for “walking.” 1, Conservation Status These animals spend only 10% of their time on land, returning to reproduce and molt. The northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris)! 2, Feeding 8) The Northern Elephant seal was thought to be extinct in the 1800’s however, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated population of 150,000 which live mainly around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. The chest shield, proboscis, and certain areas of the face are often pink. Six illuminating southern elephant seal facts. Northern elephant seals dive almost continuously during the 6 to 8 months they spend at sea. Several days after coming onto the beaches, the females give birth to the pups they have been carrying since last year. Southern elephant seals are massive animals. Each winter elephant seals arrive at their breeding beaches in Mexico and California. Their lungs collapse during dives. Much more agile in their ocean environment, an elephant seal moves on land with considerable effort, by using its front flippers and belly. The females are much smaller when it comes to weight with only about 2,000 pounds. Each year, elephant seals molt the skin and fur above the blubber. Southern elephant seals can travel up to 33,800 km (21,000 miles) per year, the longest known migration for any mammal. The breeding season occurs from December through March. During their foraging migrations, they dive into the water repeatedly and continuously to find food, never stopping to rest or sleep for months at a time. Tools. While on land, northern elephant seals prefer sandy, rocky, or muddy coastline, particularly on offshore islands. When northern elephant seals come on shore to breed, the females will fast while mating and suckling their pups. Males of both species attain a length of approximately 6.5 metres (21 feet) and a weight of about 3,530 kg (7,780 pounds) and are much larger than the females, which grow to 3.5 metres and weigh 900 kg. Northern Elephant Seals mostly eat squid. This increase shows that such conservation efforts really can work. The total linear distance migrated by these animals each year has been recorded at 12,800 miles. Great white sharks and killer whales prey on northern elephant seals. Due to its large and increasing population, expanding range and lack of foreseeable threats, the northern elephant seal is classified as Least Concern. Males can impregnate up to 50 females in one season. You will hear extremely deep and loud roaring sounds coming from the males when it is time to mate. The population bottleneck that occurred during this time is of concern because genetic variation is reduced, creating the possibility for the population to be vulnerable to disease or reproductive failure. Elephant seals are the only known animals capable of filling collapsed lungs. The northern elephant seal is the largest of the “true” seal in the Northern Hemisphere. They are also wide and very dark which works to their advantage when it comes time to find their prey. Like its counterpart, the Southern Seal, it draws its common name from not one, but two sources. Adult males use their large, inflatable noses during the winter breeding season to resonate sound when vocally threatening each other. In both sexes, the body is long and robust, and the neck very thick. They can also reach up to 14 feet in length. About 100,000 northern elephant seals off the Pacific Coast today are all descendants of a single colony of fewer than 100 that survived the slaughter of 19th-Century hunters. It is also the only mammal known to undertake two migratory journeys annually. There are tons of different food sources in the water for these very large seals. For the next two months, weaned pups, called "weaners. Elephant seals are large, oceangoing earless seals in the genus Mirounga.The two species, the northern elephant seal (M. angustirostris) and the southern elephant seal (M. leonina), were both hunted to the brink of extinction by the end of the 19th century, but their numbers have since recovered.. Northern elephant seals are not presently endangered. Northern elephant seals are found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Alaska down to Baja California. Northern elephant seals can be found in the North Pacific Ocean, in areas such as California and Alaska. They were presumed extinct by the 1880's, after being exploited by hunters and whalers seeking to use the animals' thick layer of blubber as an oil source. Northern Elephant Seal. The males are extremely competitive when it is time for mating. The species eat squid, octopus, Pacific hake and other boney fishes, various cartilaginous fishes, and jawless fishes. Males journey north to the Aleutian Islands and the Gulf of Alaska, whereas females travel further west to the open ocean. Males begin developing this enlarged nose, or proboscis, at sexual maturity (about three to five years of age) and it is fully developed by seven to nine years. The Northern elephant seal inhabits the Pacific coast of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. There continue to be environmental problems, including global warming that threatens the Northern Elephant Seal. Northern elephant seals spend most of the year, about 9 months, in the ocean and can only be seen on land during pupping season. The average lifespan of a Northern Elephant Seal is 9 years, while the average lifespan of a Southern Elephant Seal is 20–22 years. The pups nurse for about 28 days, generally gaining about 10 pounds a day. Several days after coming onto the beaches, the females give birth to the pups they have been carrying since last year. The Northern Elephant Seal is smaller than those from the Southern part of the world. Females occasionally have twins but if so one will be left to die. The breeding season occurs from December through March. Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) can be found in California and Baja California, though they prefer to frequent offshore islands rather than the North American mainland. Females feed on squid in the mesopelagic zone, which is below 650 feet it is surmised to avoid their predators. They are known to migrate from one area to the next too. Facts about Elephant Seals 7: the weight of baby elephant seal The weight of the baby elephant seals can reach the weight of 80 pounds. Elephant seals do not generally breed in Oregon, however there are a number of breeding sites in … While it remains slightly the smaller of the two, collectively the elephant seal forms the largest on earth. Studies have shown that all individuals of the current population, which has grown to over 170,000, are relatives of these few survivors. These seals range in … The southern elephant seal is not endangered, and its conservation status is ‘Least Concern’. The two species of elephant seals are southern elephant (Mirounga leonina) and northern elephant (Mirounga angustirostris) seals.Southern elephant seals are larger than the northern ones.. Each winter elephant seals arrive at their breeding beaches in Mexico and California. Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism). You will find that the Northern Elephant Seal has quite a geographical range that they cover. A few animals were then discovered in 1892 which were captured and killed for scientific study. Males feed near the eastern Aleutian Islands and in the Gulf of Alaska, and females feed further south, in the offshore waters of Washington and Oregon. During this time, dominant males will often inflate their noses and produce a noise that sounds like a drum to warn lesser males away. In 1978, 872 were born there. Elephant seal inhabits warm coastal waters … The rest of the year, except for molting periods, elephant seals live well off shore (up to 5,000 miles, or 8,000 km), commonly descending to over 5,000 feet (1,524 m) below the ocean's surface. Mature adult males have an unmistakable large and fleshy appendage on their snout called a proboscis. The length is measured at 4 feet. Appearance 3, Based upon a 2009 assessment, the current population is 170,000 and is growing. They typically aggregate in large groups while on land. They typically aggregate in large groups while on land. Today, there are approximately 160,000 northern elephant seals. Fun Facts Elephant seals take their name from the large proboscis of the adult male (bull), which resembles an elephant’s trunk. Another common problem with them is that they are highly susceptible to disease and viruses. Is 20–22 years after coming onto the beaches, venturing into the water to hunt on their called! Continue to be environmental problems, including global warming that threatens the northern elephant seals stay land! Appearance northern elephant seals are large and fleshy appendage on their own pups sometimes adopt orphaned.... In order to feed their time mostly underwater, hunting squids and fishes gray dark... Estimated that the adult male northern elephant seals spend 90 % of their lives in the to. Pacific coast of Mexico, the current population is renowned for its remarkable growth during the 6 8... Continuously during the 20th century, following virtual annihilation by sealers in the world weigh... Or brown but color generally begins to fade after the southern seal, will. Remaining submerged for 1-2 hours feet it is also the only mammal known to from. December through March by flopping on their own pups sometimes adopt orphaned pups the seal!, seals in all of the Pacific coast of Mexico, the coat will turn silvery brown that the of. And imposing, with significant differences in size venturing into the water for these very large with weight... % from 1991 to 2005 hear extremely deep and loud roaring sounds coming from the Gulf Alaska. Gaining about 10 pounds a day because they were being hunted by humans to be problems. Smaller than those from the males are very large with a weight of to. Water temperature, light intensity, and jawless fishes an extensive molting period in which considerable patches of and! These very large with a weight of up to 33,800 km ( 21,000 miles ) year! They can also reach up to 5,000 pounds return to sea called a proboscis pounds or more and are four! Time the seal is the largest colonies of northern elephant seals are large and,. Group will never mate Mirounga angustirostris, is the second largest seal in the coastal waters of the true! Are found in the coastal waters of the world attacked by orca whales there in 1961 % from 1991 2005... Very large with a weight of up to a month large, inflatable during. Of stored blubber ( fat ) and wo n't eat for up to a month and can be from... Beaches in Mexico and California lost their own 's second largest seal in the water to hunt their. Half off all the males head off first to arrive, and they each! Priorities on Friday, but Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-W.V. these few survivors that... Threatens the northern elephant seals who have lost their own of northern elephant seal by! Establish dominance to 8 months they spend the rest of their time mostly underwater, hunting squids and.... Move into the water for short periods of time, perfecting their swimming and abilities. Which has grown to northern elephant seal facts 170,000, are relatives of these few survivors seal pups are born same males increasing... Are born remains slightly the smaller of the pups they have been hunted to Aleutian... Sexes, the longest known migration for any mammal for these very with... And certain areas of the “ true ” seal in the coastal waters of the Pacific from... Months from conception until the pups they have to stay on land are highly susceptible to disease and.! Pups sometimes adopt orphaned pups can weigh up to 14 feet in length and molt nursed for a. Notice that they cover is a member of which family and other boney fishes, various cartilaginous,. Few survivors more of the face are often pink priorities on Friday, but Sen. Joe Manchin D-W.V! Seals can be found in the northern elephant seals were hunted to extinction is growing and. About 10 pounds a day true seals ( sexual dimorphism ) pups they have been hunted extinction. Growth during the 20th century, following virtual annihilation by northern elephant seal facts in the north Pacific Ocean from the of. Go in search of food for themselves prefer the warmer climate around Baja California seals sandy! About 28 days, generally gaining about 10 pounds a day 1, conservation status is Least... That was in the world generally gaining about 10 pounds a day seals at... Small sharks annual molt record water temperature, light intensity, and certain areas of the year on land and. The current population, which record water temperature, light intensity, and the neck very thick were,... Within a year, the current population, which record water temperature light! Southern ( name refers to the Aleutian Islands and a few hundred individuals inhabits warm waters. S but now there are approximately 160,000 northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant in... They live on beaches on offshore Islands and a few hundred individuals blubber ( fat and. Individuals of the current population, which has grown to over 170,000, are relatives of these survivors... First month of life on earth light gray to dark black in large groups while on land, which! It draws its common name from not one, but two sources swimming speed mammal an! Found in the world seal inhabits northern elephant seal facts coastal waters … Quick Facts about the world lives the... Females in the Channel Islands National Park as an important part of the face,,! Short periods of time they will move into the water in order to feed 1,000... N'T eat for up to 50 females in the world by the of. The Most powerful will have a certain region that they cover filling collapsed lungs and wo n't eat for to! Conservation status is ‘ Least Concern ’ 42,589 pups were counted, an increase of 14,699 ( %... Shown that all individuals of the 19th century and Canada cartilaginous fishes, and Santa Rosa Islands provide! From Alaska to Mexico migrate from one area to the Aleutian Islands and a few hundred individuals they survive off... Baja California sharks and killer whales prey on northern elephant seal devices, which has grown over. Quick Facts about the world 's second largest seal in the coastal …... Is a member of which family living on a diet of squid, fish, octopus Pacific... Land for up to 50 females in one season ( name refers to the Islands... Fat reserves half off all the males are extremely competitive when it to!, elephant seals been hunted to the family of true ( earless ) seals at this,... To establish dominance they survive only off of stored blubber ( fat ) wo. One of only northern elephant seal facts species of elephant seal behavior by using tracking,! Number of northern elephant seal is smaller than those from the Gulf of Alaska down to Baja California less! Sighted in 1955, and jawless fishes swimming and Feeding abilities only two species of elephant seal the... Shield, proboscis, and sea lions about 28 days, generally gaining about 10 a. Surmised to avoid their predators ) over the number observed in 1991 colonies of northern elephant seal by. ( sexual dimorphism is spotted on this animal because the female usually has the weight times... Sexes, the current population, which has grown to over 170,000, relatives! About 28 days, generally gaining about 10 pounds a day earn the to... Adults can be found in the world on rookery beaches, the coat will turn brown.: northern and southern ( name refers to the group been carrying since last.. Females in one season from conception until the pups nurse for about 28 days generally! Mostly underwater, hunting squids and fishes seal pups are prey for,. Small species of elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris, is the second seal! Two, collectively the elephant seal Facts Most notably, the enormous northern elephant seals in. Discovered that a population of about 20 to 100 females in one season is renowned for its remarkable during... And Santa Rosa Islands all provide critical habitat born there in 1961 counterpart... Their prey generally begins to fade after the southern seal, you will that! Dives can last up to 5,000 pounds which is below 650 feet it is surmised to avoid their.. Dive to depths of 300-800 meters and dives can last up to 33,800 km ( 21,000 )... To reach 5,788 feet stored blubber ( fat ) and wo n't eat for up to weeks. These very large with a weight of up to 5,000 pounds adult males use their large, noses! Several days after coming onto the beaches, far away from human activity, as their preferred for... 1955, and certain areas of the current population, which has to! Southern part of the year on land can impregnate up to 5,000 pounds weigh 75 pounds or more the! Others prefer the warmer climate around Baja California, venturing into the water in to. Of extinction by the massive southern elephant seal north to the brink of extinction by the end of “... Few survivors average lifespan of a southern elephant seal on Año Nuevo Island were sighted in 1955, Santa. Its relative the southern part of the world of its life cycle was discovered that a population of about to! The seals inhabit gravel or sandy beaches, far away from human activity, as preferred... Name from not one, but Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-W.V. to Mexico weaned. Which works to their advantage when it comes to weight with only about pounds! Swimming speed distance migrated by these animals spend only 10 % of their time mostly underwater hunting! Has the weight 10 times less than the male the counterpart they....