Elephant Seals are named for the trunk-like noses of the mature males. The larger males can weigh over 5000 pounds. Over the past several decades, these protected marine mammals have made a comeback along the Central California Coast. They appear from November to March, migrating from as far away as Alaska, diving as deep as 5000 feet at times. Their numbers peak during January when, they are so tightly packed onto the beach, it seems that there is barely any more space. Fighting, mating, birthing, and nursing, all can be occurring simultaneously, making for quite a busy, if not confusing and noisy spectacle! Their expressions and behavior at times seems almost human-like.
For great information on elephant seals, go to Friends of the Elephant Seal, a non-profit organization, at: http://www.elephantseal.org