Elephant seals are large ocean loving creatures that almost became extinct towards the end of the nineteenth century due in large part to hunters wanting their blubber for oil. In 1890 there were only about 100 Elephant Seals remaining. Their population has increased over the past 100 years and appears to be growing by 6% annually. It is now a protected species in the United States and Mexico. There are two species, the Northern Elephant Seal and the Southern Elephant Seal.  The Northern Elephant Seal is normally found on the pacific coast of the United States and Mexico and is a bit smaller than the Southern Elephant Seal.  The Southern Elephant Seal resides mostly on islands and coasts in the Southern Hemisphere.  The fourth largest elephant seal colony in the world can be found in the Peninsula Valdes, Argentina.  This is the only colony whose population continues to grow.

Anatomy

Male Elephant Seals, also called bulls, are known for their great size body and large proboscis (nose), which is similar in appearance to an elephant’s trunk. During the mating season the males use this proboscis to produce a loud roaring mating call. Males can weigh up to 5,000 pounds and can be up to 15 feet long.  The female Elephant Seal, also called cows, weigh up to 1650 pounds and are up to 12 feet long.  They have dark silvery brown hair, no external ears, and whiskers that help them feel. The Elephant Seal’s fur does not protect them from the cold as much as their blubber does.  The hair and skin on top molts at times then regrows.  During the molting stage the Elephant Seal rests on land in a safe place called a “haul out” because the extreme cold can cause it harm. Also, during the molting stage the bulls do not fight with one another.

Social Behavior
Elephant Seals are considered social mammals and gather in large groups on land called colonies.  The groups that congregate in water are called rafts.  Rookeries is the name given to their breeding areas. Often times the male Elephant Seals may be seen fighting for mating dominance and have the scars to prove it.

Food
Elephant Seals only spend 20% of their lives on land and the rest in the ocean.  They are able to hold their breath for up to 80 minutes as they dive up to 600 meters deep to search for their food. Typically Elephant Seals eat squid, skates, rays, octopi, and small sharks. They do spend 2-3 months fasting each year, but when they do eat they consume 6% of their body weight.

Life Span
Female Northern Elephant Seals reach maturity between 3-5 years of age and males between 9-10 years of age. Gestation in the Northern Elephant Seal lasts 11.3 months, including a 3-month delay of implantation. Longevity in the Northern Elephant Seal is about 14 years. The female Southern Elephant Seal reaches maturity between 2-7 years of age depending on their breeding stock, which is based on location.  The male Southern Elephant Seal reaches maturity between 4-6 years of age.  Longevity for the Southern Elephant Seal is about 20 years.