Northern Elephant Seal Pup
Mirounga angustirostris

1/500s at f5.6, ASA 64, Ektachrome 64, Nikon FE w 300 mm

\"Northern elephant seal.\" Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. The northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) is one of two species of elephant seal (the other is the southern elephant seal). It is a member of the family Phocidae (\"true seals\"). Elephant seals derive their name from their great size and from the male\'s large proboscis, which is used in making extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating competition. There is a great sexual dimorphism in size. The males can grow to 14 ft (4 m) and 5,000 lb (2,300 kg), while the females grow to 11 ft (3 m) and 1,400 lb (640 kg). Correspondingly, there is a highly polygynous mating system, with a successful male able to impregnate up to 50 females in one season.

Ano Nuevo State Park, Pescadero, CA

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