Fishin'
for Facts: Elephant Seals
©WhaleTimes
There are two different kinds of elephant seals - northern and southern.
The two species live in different parts of the world.
Common name: Northern Elephant Seal
Common name: Southern Elephant Seal
 | Size
|
NORTHERN: Females can reach lengths up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) and weigh 600 kg (1,323
pounds). Males can reach lengths up to 4 m (13 feet) and 2,000 kg (9,700 pounds).
Pups are 125 cm (50 inches) long and 35 kg (77 pounds).
SOUTHERN: Females can reach lengths up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) and weigh between 800 kg
(1,764 pounds). Males can reach lengths up to 5 m (16 feet) and can weigh up to 5,000 kg
(11,025 pounds).
 | Where are they found?
|
Northern elephant seals are found in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Southern elephant
seal are found in the oceans around Antarctica.
 | What do they eat?
|
Northern elephant seals eat squid, octopus, fish and sometimes even small sharks.
Southern elephant seals have a similar diet.
 | Elephant Seal Highlights
|
©WhaleTimes
The northern elephant seal can stay underwater for 40minutes, 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.


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