Animal of the Month: The Elephant Seal!

The carnivorous elephant seal has two species: the northern and the southern seal. Southern elephant seals live in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters that contain brisk cold conditions but are rich in the fish, squid, and other marine foods that the seals enjoy. Southern elephant seals are the bigger of the two. Souther males can be up to 20 ft tall and weigh 8,800 pounds! Northern elephant seals can be found in California and Baja California, though they prefer to frequent offshore islands rather than the North American mainland. Elephant seals are sometimes called Sea Elephants. Sea elephants are interesting looking creatures...


Elephant seals were intensely hunted for their oil, and their numbers were once brought down to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, populations have come back and they are under legal protections. Southern elephant seals can dive over 4,921 ft deep and stay submerged for up to two hours! Below you can see a southern elephant seal. I think they're cute..:)

Now you can see a northern elephant seal.. :)


Fast Facts:
1. Carnivore
2. Weigh: Up to 8,800 lbs
3. Group: Colony
4. Lifespan in the Wild: 9 years for northern 20 to 22 years southern


National Geographic Animal Facts