Return of the Elephant Seals Point Reyes Nat'l Seashore, California

February 16, 2019

After narrowly avoiding wholesale slaughter in order to provide lamp oil, the non-resident elephant seals disappeared for 150 years.  About 30 years ago they reappeared at Point Reyes, and their population is growing.  As of two weeks ago, the park is experimenting with a controlled-access viewing of the seals at Drakes Beach, which at present is open only on weekends and federal holidays.

A couple hundred seals are here today

And a few birds as well

What a life
"Howdy!"

He is not allowed on the beach, lest he try something

"I'm the boss." (actually, one of two in residence at this time)

"Hmm... what'll I do today?"

"Aha! Here's something."

"What, no foreplay?"

About Drakes Beach    ⇔

2,400 seals have been here this season

This juvenile prefers the parking lot

Ice Plants are an invasive, non-native species

The other Beachmaster has ideas as well:

"Honey, I'm home!"

"What can I say?"

"You brute!"

Ain't love grand?

"I'm beat."

In the Visitor Center:

Pelican
Sea Lion