Fishin' for Facts: Elephant Seals

Common name: Northern Elephant Seal
Scientific name: Mirounga angustirostris

Common name: Southern Elephant Seal
Scientific name: Mirounga leonina

NORTHERN:
    Females:    Up to 3 meters (9.8 feet)     600 kg (1,323 pounds).
    Males:        Up to 4 m (13 feet)               2,000 kg (9,700 pounds).
    Pups:           125 cm (50 inches) long       35 kg (77 pounds).

SOUTHERN:
    Females     Up to 3 meters (9.8 feet)      800 kg (1,764 pounds).
    Males         Up to 5 m (16 feet)                Up to 5,000 kg (11,025 pounds).

    Northern elephant seals are found in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Southern elephant seal are found in the oceans around Antarctica.

    Northern elephant seals eat squid, octopus, fish and sometimes even small sharks. Southern elephant seals have a similar diet.

    The northern elephant seal can stay underwater for 40 minutes, sometimes longer.

    According to research by Dr. Brent Stewart (and others) the northern elephant seal can regularly dive deeper than 2,500 ft. or more. One male was recorded diving up to 5,150 ft. This data was gathered using a satellite tracking system with a radio pack attached to the back of the elephant seal. The elephant seal is the largest pinniped species, which would mean it is also the largest species of seal. Many people may recognize the elephant seal from television documentaries. It is a well-studied species. The male elephant seals compete for the females during breeding season. The strongest, most aggressive male generally has access to more females. They compete for the females through "visual and vocal threats. And occasionally physical battles. The northern elephant seal was hunted to near extinction in the 1880s They are protected by Mexican and American laws, and have made an amazing comeback.

To learn more about the elephant seal and other fascinating pinnipeds, we have a book for you!