A windy inhospitable island makes a perfect home for Northern Elephant Seals. These 300 seals occupied any bit of sandy beach with flat spots for napping. While at sea Elephant Seals only sleep for 10 minutes at a time: usually while diving down to their next meal. This makes land-time all the more valuable for catching up on much needed sleep and keeping their metabolism low while not eating.
This beach had 3 bulls vying for breeding rights; late fall is a little early for birthing and breeding, so these seals are enjoying their bit of free time before the males come ashore to claim their harems.
Elephant Seals are one of the largest pinnipeds, with their only predators being Great White Sharks and Orca; but this female has been snacked on by some Cookie Cutter Sharks: they latch onto the seal with their sharp-round jaws and do a spin to cut out a chunk of blubber. The elephant seals thick layer of blubber acts as thermal insulation, but also a protective layer from injuries.
These Weanlings would have been born last winter, and are practicing their battle-skills for their future battling each other for the right to mate.
Негізгі бет 12 Cuyler Cove Elephant Seals
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