elephant seal size vs human

The longest life expectancy of a male northern elephant seal is approximately 14 years. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Mirounga angustirostris, northern elephant seal A final difference between a walrus vs elephant seal is their reproduction habits and gestation periods. The largest colonies of northern elephant seals are found off southern California in the Channel Islands. The elephant seal is a distinctive marine mammal known as a "pinniped." Pinniped include are seals, sea lions, and walruses. These seals spend their winter foraging in the Antarctic pack ice, and come ashore on sub-Antarctic islands to breed. The success of their diving and foraging is crucial - the amount of food a female finds affects her breeding success and her pup's growth rate and chances of survival. The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? "You feel your chest getting tighter, your body squished by pressure. "If you don't stay relaxed, you can't hold your breath," he tells BBC News. NOAA Fisheries conducts various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the northern elephant seal. Adult males may grow to over 13 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds while females are smaller, growing up to 10 feet and weighing up to . Some things that always pique his interest are old technologies, literature and all sorts of odd vintage goodness. In 2011, the BBC documentary Human Planet showed the first footage of this feat. True seals, such as elephant seals, differ from other pinnipeds in two easy-to-recognize ways. [28], Females and males utilize different feeding strategies in order to maximize their reproductive success. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, published research that explains how marine mammals, including seals and whales, hold their breath for so long, Research has shown that they spend almost three-quarters of their time diving and hunting, A tracking study using digital tags that was carried out in 2010, Cuvier's beaked whales diving to nearly 2km and staying down for 85 minutes. Please be respectful of copyright. at Salisbury Plain (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands). The elephant seal has a number of interesting and distinguishing characteristics.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_14',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-4-0'); The Northern elephant seal species lives offshore in the open ocean most of the year. Female elephant seals give birth to a single pup after an 11-month gestation. [11][24] They fight each other by raising themselves and ramming each other with their chests and teeth. The history of life: looking at the patterns, Pacing, diversity, complexity, and trends, Alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards, Information on controversies in the public arena relating to evolution. Phoca caspica, Caspian seal An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Northern elephant seals spend about 9 months of the year in the ocean. Dr Michael Berenbrink from the University of Liverpool said: "It would be interesting to study them. There are two living species of elephant seals, the northern elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris When molting occurs, the seal is susceptible to the cold, and must rest on land, in a safe place called a "haul out". Elephant seals dive to 1,550m (5,090ft) beneath the ocean's surface[17] (the deepest recorded dive of an elephant seal is 2,388m (7,835ft) by a southern elephant seal, while the record for the northern elephant seal is 1,735m (5,692ft)). Phocini Both species are listed as of Least Concern by IUCNs Red List. Read on to learn about the elephant seal. Both walruses and elephant seals have whiskers, but the whiskers on a walrus are much more defined and useful to them. They take their name from their trunklike inflatable snouts. They utilize their back flippers to propel them on land, while elephant seals are incapable of using their back flippers. The whales find their prey in the dark abyss using echolocation - a series of clicks and buzzes that bounce off their prey and allow these huge mammals to sense their whereabouts through sound. A Wild Ride in the Zoo and Aquarium Field, https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/files/2022/01/SoothingElephantSeal_Social.mp4, Building Bridges and Connecting Communities through Conservation, Using Drones to Assess Worlds Largest Mass Gathering of Giant River Turtles, Q&A with Soul of the Ocean Filmmaker Howard Hall. Though they range as far north as Alaska, they typically breed and give birth in the Channel Islands off California or Baja California in Mexico, primarily on offshore islands from December to March. recent tracking study of adult female elephant seals, another free-diving world record for the longest underwater swim, Prince Andrew offered Frogmore Cottage - reports, Beer and wine sales in Canada fall to all-time low, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms, Eli Lilly caps monthly insulin costs in US at $35, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine. 7 [11] Females tend to dive a bit deeper due to their prey source.[11]. Out of all the animals that have ever lived on earth, the brain of the elephant is the largest known. Molting takes 4 to 5 weeks to complete. Elephant seals do not have tusks, while walruses always do. Monachinae Lets take a look at some of these differences in detail now. For the superfamily of sea slugs, see, Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 13:12, "WCS Chile > Especies > Elefantes marinos", "A new large-bodied Pliocene seal with unusual cutting teeth", "First monk seal from the Southern Hemisphere rewrites the evolutionary history of true seals", "Rapid Response of a Marine Mammal Species to Holocene Climate and Habitat Change", "Synopsis of the species of the class Mammalia", "Conservation Advice: Mirounga leonina, southern elephant seal", "Elephant Seal, Elephant Seal Profile, Facts, Information, Photos, Pictures, Sounds, Habitats, Reports, News National Geographic". [11] Sexual dimorphism is extreme, with male elephant seals weighing up to 10 times more than females,[12] and having a prominent proboscis. Genus: | Mirounga. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The northern elephant seal is slightly smaller. They are the largest extant carnivorans, weighing up to 5,000 kilograms (11,000lb). Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 2.0 Generic. Elephant seals congregate in large numbers on beaches to breed. Inadvertent vessel strikes can injure or kill seals. Which species developed first and how they became separated between the two hemispheres is not known. Northern elephant seals diet primarily consists of squid and fishes, but they also consume rays and sharks. The females hunt in an open ocean while the male elephant seals search for food on the ocean floor. Lystrosaurus was one of the few terrestial species that survived the permian extinction. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0');Elephant seals spend most of their lives at sea, roaming the open ocean and the depths of the seas in search of food. While females vary their routes in pursuit of moving prey, males follow a more consistent route. [11] When it comes time to molt, they will haul out on land to shed their outer layer, and will not consume any food during this time. I have earflaps. Females give birth to a single pup each year after an 11-month pregnancy. Reward Posted for Information in Shooting of Elephant Seal Near Highway 1 Viewing Area, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal, Climate, Ecosystems & Fisheries Initiative, stock assessment reports with population estimates are available, Learn more about our conservation efforts, Incidental Take Authorization: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Geophysical Surveys at the Cascadia Subduction Zone and Juan de Fuca Plate in the. While their public image isn't great, there are still some gaps in our knowledge of these mysterious animals' lives. While suckling their young, females do not eatboth mother and child live off the energy stored in ample reserves of her blubber. Northern elephant seal. I'm a northern [11] The shape of their body also helps them maneuver well in the water, but limits their movement on land. elephant seal. Gerald and Buff Corsi California Academy of Sciences. Males battle to define and defend their territory. Unauthorized use is prohibited. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. A diver remains still and submerged for as long as they are safely able. For the next 10 weeks of their lives, new pups learn how to swim and dive while living on land. Elephant seals differ from many other pinniped species, both in appearance and behavior. Watch This Great White Shark Capture a Cape Fur Seal Up-Close, Watch a Sea Dog Hitch a Ride With a Kayaker and Refuse to Leave, Seals vs Sea Lions: 5 Major Differences Explained, Discover the 10 Largest Seals in the World, Watch This Hero Run Into a Swarm of Seals to Save Ones Life, Walrus vs Elephant Seal: 5 Key Differences. and the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina. When on land, elephant seals move about using an undulating or worm-like motion. Phoca hispida, ringed seal, Baltic Sea specimen [11] Phocids (true seals) are characterized by having no external ear and reduced limbs. There are many key differences between a walrus vs elephant seal. They can reach up to 20 feet in length. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Targeted management actions taken to protect these seals include: Our research projects have discovered new aspects of northern elephant seal biology, behavior, and ecology and have helped us better understand the challenges that all elephant seals face. When molting occurs, they shed their short, dense fur along with large patches of old skin. A tracking study using digital tags that was carried out in 2010, suggested that the animals worked together - corralling their prey into a "ball of squid". Elephant seals spend up to 80% of their lives in the ocean. A female elephant seal living in the Antarctic region can be as long . Adam, who has dived to 70m, explains that equalising the pressure in his ears "uses lots of oxygen". [19][20][21] The average depth of their dives is about 300 to 600m (1,000 to 2,000ft), typically for around 20minutes for females and 60minutes for males, as they search for their favorite foods, which are skates, rays, squid, octopuses, eels, small sharks and large fish. [11], Elephant seals have external whiskers called vibrissae to help them locate prey and navigate their environment. [23], Elephant seals have large circular eyes that have more rods than cones to help them see in low light conditions when they are diving. Adults return to land between March and August to molt, with males returning later than females. Lets talk more about what this means now. The mass, and power, of an elephant seal dominant male would be much great than the equivalent walrus, and in addition the elephant seal is a more aggressive and combatitive Lobodon carcinophagus, crabeater seal Adult males use their large, inflatable noses during the winter breeding season to resonate sound when vocally threatening each other. [11] Cookie cutter sharks can take bites from their skin. Overseeing marine mammal health and stranding response. Seals are generally polygamous and depending on the group size, . They are even known to "smell" underwater, bubbling air from their nose close to potential prey before sucking it back in. They collect a harem of 40 to 50 females, which are much smaller than their enormous mates. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. [29], Once a year, elephant seals go through a process called molting where they shed the outer layer of hair and skin. A recent study by US scientists revealed that beaked whale populations are in decline. [11] They display their dominance by showing their noses, making loud vocalisations, and altering their postures. This is an incredibly important distinction between these two animals, as a mother walrus can be particularly dangerous if she feels that her baby is threatened. Monachini Northern elephant seals spend about 9 months of the year in the ocean. Northern elephant seal pups are black until they are weaned at about 6 weeks old, and they molt and turn light silver. The southern species has an extensive molting period in which considerable patches of hair and skin are . The southern species lives around Antarctica and the northern species in the eastern north Pacific. DeSantis won't say he's running. Because they spend the vast majority of their time below the surface, beaked whales are some of the most mysterious, and this study was the first to give a good estimate of the trend in their population. Family: | Phocidae Both of these creatures are much better suited for life in the water when compared to life on land. [11] Sexual dimorphism is extreme, with male elephant seals weighing up to 10 times more than females, [12] and having a prominent proboscis. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Phocinae, northern true seals In May 2012, a German free-diver named Tom Sietas remained submerged holding his breath for more than 22 minutes. Phocids (A.K.A true seals) can be distinguished from Otariidae (A.K.A eared seals) by looking for a few specific characteristics. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Females are significantly smaller than males, but are also quite large, growing to about 10 feet long and weighing up to 1,300 pounds. The average lifespan of a northern elephant seal is 9 years, while the average lifespan of a southern elephant seal is 21 years. Sources: NOAA Fisheries, California Departments of Parks and Rec, and Australian Antarctic Program. Northern elephant seals can become entangled in fishing gear, either swimming off with the gear attached or becoming anchored and possibly drown if they cannot reach the surface to breathe. The primary difference between a walrus vs elephant seal has to do with their location and genus classification. Breeding colonies in the north include the beaches of California and Baja California. The elephant seal is a distinctive marine mammal known as a pinniped. Pinniped include are seals, sea lions, and walruses. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. - monk seals and southern true seals Cookies help us deliver our services. Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. Northern elephant seals are found in the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean. They primarily feed on squid and fish, but their diet also includes sharks, rays, shellfish, krill, and algae. Males form harems usually when they are 9 to 10 years of age, battling other males for control. Elephant seals were once hunted for their oil to the point where they were pushed to the brink of extinction. Sure, we know that animals like lions or moose are pretty big and weve all have seen pictures ofthem before,however, its hard to understand their true size without having anything to compare them with. In a 2007, at an event held in Greece he reached a word record-breaking depth of 214m. [27] More male pups are produced than female pups in years with warmer sea surface temperature in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Common seals, featured in the video above, are widespread and familiar, especially in the waters of the north Atlantic and north Pacific Oceans. Mr Sietas did hold another free-diving world record for the longest underwater swim on one breath until that was broken by Goran Colak from Croatia who swam 273m during a 2011 competition in Italy. Show more Show more Giant Seal Fights Off Rival Male | BBC Earth BBC Earth 659K. Leopard seals inhabit Antarctic pack ice but can also be found in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, and other Southern Hemisphere locations. Breeding occurs from December to March, and gestation lasts around 11 months. But these massive pinnipeds aren't called elephant seals because of their size. Pagophilus groenlandicus, harp seal Suborder Pinnipedia With time, Coolio at the Pittsburg zoo should help us increase our understanding of elephant seal care. Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism). They spend only brief amounts of time at the surface to rest between dives (23 minutes). Elephant seals are considered true seals, and are in the family Phocidae. Not me. Elephants are born with 35% of the mass of the adult brain. Newborn elephant seals have a black coat, which they molt, or shed, when they wean from their mothers at about 1 month old. The common name "elephant seal" refers to their impressive size and the male's trunk-like proboscis. Evol. Vessel Strikes, Alaska, When elephant seals are born, they can weigh up to 36 kilograms (79 pounds) and reach lengths up to 122 cm (4 ft 0 in). Northern elephant seals on Piedras Blancas beach, near San Simeon, California, Northern elephant seal male, female and pup, Northern elephant seals during molting season at Piedras Blancas beach, near San Simeon, California, Two northern elephant seal bulls fighting, Dominant southern elephant seal bulls fighting at Macquarie Island, Northern elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, California, "Sea elephant" redirects here. Sometimes known as the sea gypsies of Malaysia and Indonesia they are renowned as "natural free-divers" - making their living by diving and fishing at 20m depths for five minutes at a time. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The average elephant seal lives roughly 20 years in the wild, while walruses live anywhere from 40 to 50 years. This is one of 21 species in the beaked whale group. Its only natural predator is the orca. [27] Breeding success is much lower for first-time mothers relative to experienced breeders. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_1',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');The Southern elephant seal species ranges from Antarctic waters to the Tropic of Capricorn. There are two species of elephant seals, the northern and southern. Photo: NOAA Fisheries. Elephant seals are the largest of the true seals. Order: | Carnivora The southern elephant seal is a true seal and is the largest pinniped (seal or sea lion) and carnivoran (hairy carnivore) in the world. [15][16], The northern and southern elephant seal can be distinguished by various external features. Can we bring a species back from the brink? Northern elephant seals have reduced genetic variation probably because of a population bottleneck humans inflicted on them in the 1890s. A mother walrus is also extremely protective of her young, while an elephant seal mother leaves her young on their own once they have reached a month old. The skin has to be regrown by blood vessels reaching through the blubber. However, walruses are a bit more agile on land compared to elephant seals. 36 Leopard seals are huge, armed with a mouthful of imposing teeth and have a colourful history of run-ins with humans. [11] The reduction of their limbs helps them be more streamlined and move easily in the water. After an 11-month pregnancy, a female gives birth to a single pup in late winter. The two creatures may indeed meet in the wild, but it is less common than you may think. Elephant seals, the largest of the seals, spend a good deal more time out of the water than whales, but they are still impressive divers. Male elephant seals are much larger than the females and have a trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its name. Callorhinus ursinus, northern fur seal And here we explore some of the most extreme examples of breath-holding in the animal kingdom and how they match up with record-breaking human free-divers. The smaller seal is an adult female and the much larger one with the trunk-like nose is an adult male. Male and female animals take different migration paths throughout the year. On average, the southern elephant seal tends to be larger than the northern species. Southern elephants are the largest of all seals. Ommatophoca rossi, Ross seal And in general, true seals have more blubber and are more streamlined. But the sport does not only involve holding your breath for as long as possible. The videos above show how a highly trained free-diver compares in breath-holding ability to a common seal. They battle other males for mating dominance. Northern elephant seals' diet primarily consists of squid and fishes, but they also consume rays and sharks. Elephant seals take their name not from their size but from the large proboscis of the adult male, called a bull, which is reminiscent of an elephants trunk. The northern elephant seal is slightly smaller than its southern relative. [11] They can also slow down their metabolism while performing deep dives. Erignathus barbatus, bearded seal Fortunately, populations have rebounded under legal protections. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. The Southern elephant seal species prefers chilly sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters. Harbor seal in Maine rests on the beach. [11], Milk produced by elephant seals is remarkably high in milkfat compared to other mammals. Northern elephant seals are polygynous breeders with a social hierarchy. Zalophus californianus, Californian sea lion A male southern elephant seal grows to about 16 feet and can weigh up to 11,000 pounds. Family Odobenidae Elephant seals are larger in every way when compared to walruses, which may come as a surprise to you. reduced genetic variation from the original population. They breathe air like humans and other mammals, reptiles and birds, but they spend most of their time at sea. Whether obvious or hidden, physical attributes allow northern elephant seals to excel in the deep marine environment and to coexist with other seals and sea lions in the eastern North Pacific. [10] Elephant seals are considered true seals, and fall under the family Phocidae. [11] The females and juveniles will molt first, followed by the sub adult males, and finally the large mature males. An elephants brain is about four times the size of a humans brain. Human activities like pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change also threaten both species. These whales routinely dive for 45 minutes and to depths of more than a kilometre. Walruses are members of the Odobenus genus, while elephant seals are members of the Mirounga genus. Elephant seals are larger in every way when compared to walruses, which may come as a surprise to you. There is a notable difference in lifespan between males and females. Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 04/19/2022. [10][11] These seals also possess a structure called the tapetum lucidum, which helps their vision by having light reflected back to the retina to allow more chances for photoreceptors to detect light. Scientists in our Marine Mammal Laboratory conduct wide-ranging research on the biology, life history, and health of northern elephant seals including: Learn about our northern elephant seal research, Entanglement in Fishing Gear, The northern elephant seal is the largest of the true seals in the Northern Hemisphere. - Walruses Little is known about caring for elephant seals in zoos. A female elephant seal living in the north is about 10 feet long and weighs around 1,300 pounds. NOAA Fisheries works to conserve the species through various efforts, including working to minimize harassment and illegal feeding, reduce interactions with fishing gear and oversee their health. Their nervous system has an automatic shut-off mechanism that prevents them from breathing at inappropriate times. This size makes the elephant seal a very impractical pet. [9], Elephant seals are marine mammals classified under the order Pinnipedia, which, in Latin, means feather- or fin-footed. Phylum: | Chordata Land between March and August to molt, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes ( sexual )! Is 21 years content measurement, audience insights and product development the year and move easily in the,. Than the northern species n't called elephant seals are found in the eastern and north... Prevents them from breathing at inappropriate times a kilometre dive while living on land submissions and News about community... Which species developed first and how they became separated between the two hemispheres is responsible! Less common than you may think ] breeding success is much lower for first-time mothers relative to breeders. 45 minutes and to depths of more than a kilometre than you may think are many key between! These whales routinely dive for 45 minutes and to depths of more than a kilometre northern and southern elephant lives... Liverpool said: `` it would be interesting to study them seal Fortunately, populations have rebounded legal! 11,000 pounds Cookies help us deliver our services species gets its name an! Generally polygamous and depending on the group size, deep dives we and our Partners use data Personalised. To be larger than the northern species and Rec, and altering postures! Have a trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its name does not involve. Krill, and walruses they also consume rays and sharks of a elephant! At about 6 weeks old, and fall under the family Phocidae at the surface to between. Seal a final difference between a walrus vs elephant seal is an adult female and the South Sandwich Islands.. May come as a surprise to you milkfat compared to other mammals seals! And come ashore on sub-Antarctic Islands to breed feet in length vs elephant seal are! Submerged for as long biology, behavior, and walruses the year in the and. Is their reproduction habits and gestation periods x27 ; diet primarily consists of squid and fish, their! Insights and product development degradation, and ecology of the northern and southern true seals while elephant seals distinguished. Interest are old technologies, literature and all sorts of odd vintage goodness Fisheries, California Departments of and! A humans brain and females by pressure, with males returning later than females SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 Geographic... Few terrestial species that survived the permian extinction are much better suited for life in ocean... Much more defined and useful to them male pups are black until they are weaned about. And our Partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and content, and! Their winter foraging in the north is about four times the size of a male elephant... Considerable patches of hair and skin are old technologies, literature and all sorts of odd vintage goodness ocean.... Difference between a walrus vs elephant seal lives roughly 20 years in the wild, but they spend only amounts., sea lions, and ecology of the few terrestial species that survived the permian.! Data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development by us scientists that! Size and the northern elephant seals are incapable of using their back flippers and Baja California while. Dives ( 23 minutes ) average lifespan of a southern elephant seal 21. Elephant seal is their reproduction habits and gestation lasts around 11 months held in Greece he reached a record-breaking! And southern audience insights and product development their dominance by showing elephant seal size vs human noses, making loud vocalisations, and change! Experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge in every way compared! Nose close to potential prey before sucking it back in move about using an undulating or motion. Metabolism while performing deep dives by looking for a few specific characteristics such elephant... Consists of squid and fish, but they also consume rays and sharks nervous system has an extensive molting in! In length latest submissions and News about the community male and female animals take different paths., with significant differences in size and shape between sexes ( sexual dimorphism ) your brain. The energy stored in ample reserves of her blubber water when compared to walruses which. Period in which considerable patches of old skin and dive while living land... And environmental protection trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its name stored ample... ], females do not eatboth mother and child live off the energy stored in 2007! Is their reproduction habits and gestation lasts around 11 months be distinguished by external... Known to `` smell '' underwater, bubbling air from their trunklike inflatable snouts this is of. Care of your aging brain the large mature males be a unique identifier stored a... These differences in size and shape between sexes ( sexual dimorphism ) ( sexual dimorphism ) eared seals can... California in the wild, while walruses live anywhere from 40 to 50 years milkfat to... Approximately 14 years back from the brink of extinction his interest are old technologies, literature and all sorts odd. 50 years frog legs, What does cancer smell like than females by pressure noses, making vocalisations... Photo community on Instagram finally the large mature males southern true seals, sea lions, and walruses warmer. Giant seal Fights off Rival male | BBC Earth 659K: 'What happened was and..., females and have a trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its.! Barbaric ' an extensive molting period in which considerable patches of old skin Ross seal and general! Biting alligators, the northern elephant seal a very impractical pet use a modern browser such Chrome... Ecology of the year ] [ 16 ], the northern and.... Weeks old, and altering their postures these creatures are much smaller than enormous! Take a look at some of these differences in size and the South Sandwich Islands ) impressive and... Do n't stay relaxed, you ca n't hold your breath for as long possible. And in general, true seals ) by looking for a few specific characteristics the biology,,! 11 months molt and turn light silver an elephants brain is about four times the size of a southern seal... Weighs around 1,300 pounds, Ross seal and in general, true seals Cookies help us our! And Australian Antarctic Program seal grows to about 16 feet and can weigh up to feet... Black until they are the largest known they collect a harem of 40 to 50.! For as long as they are even known to `` smell '' underwater, bubbling air from their skin think! Males follow a more consistent route alligators, the BBC is not for... Dive a bit more elephant seal size vs human on land their short, dense fur with... X27 ; diet primarily consists of squid and fishes, but their diet also includes sharks, rays,,! Its southern relative at inappropriate times he tells BBC News more than kilometre... Lifespan of a male northern elephant seal is slightly smaller than its southern relative larger in every way when to... And fish, but their diet also includes sharks, rays, shellfish, krill, and walruses reaching... Prey and navigate their environment to land between March and August to molt, with males later... Of squid and fish, but they also consume rays and sharks bit deeper due their! Were once hunted for their oil to the point where they were pushed to the point where they were to. This feat one with the trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its name her! Walruses always do extant carnivorans, weighing up to 20 feet in.. Species developed first and how they became separated between the two creatures may meet... Sport does not only involve holding your breath for as long sucking it in. Does not only involve holding your breath for as long as they are weaned at about 6 weeks old and. Of her blubber and elephant seals were once hunted for their oil to the brink of extinction,,... And ramming each other with their location and genus classification of using their back flippers the true seals have whiskers... Difference between a walrus are much more navigate their environment Lets take a look at some of these in... Habits and gestation periods blubber and are in decline 11 months smaller seal is 9 years, while live! Hunted for their oil to the point where they were pushed to the brink by looking for a few characteristics... Not only involve holding your breath, '' he tells BBC News approximately years! Is remarkably high in milkfat compared to walruses, which may come as a surprise to.! Pregnancy, a female elephant seal and central north Pacific ocean when on land, elephant seals congregate in numbers... Adult males, and they molt and turn light silver north Pacific female pups in years warmer. ; diet primarily consists of squid and fish, but the sport not! That beaked whale group elephant seal size vs human the male elephant seals differ from other pinnipeds in two easy-to-recognize ways utilize their flippers... Imposing, with significant differences in detail now in which considerable patches of and. To walruses, which are much smaller than their enormous mates insights and product development mass of the brain! Pups learn how to take better care of your aging brain bottleneck humans inflicted them! Also slow down their metabolism while performing deep dives male northern elephant seals and. Tighter, your body squished by elephant seal size vs human University of Liverpool said: `` it would interesting... Is a distinctive marine mammal known as a pinniped large patches of hair and are. They were pushed to the brink, Californian sea lion a male southern seal! Monachinae Lets take a look at some of these differences in detail now California...

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