What time of year are the elephant seals in California?
Elephant Seals are seen year-round at the Piedras Blancas Rookery. Best times of year to see these amazing animals in action are October through May with the big show (birthing and breeding) in January and February. Come see these magnificent marine mammals up close on one of the prettiest coastlines in California.
What time are elephant seals most active?
The peak months for viewing elephant seals are from October through March, when their population on San Simeon’s shores can reach 17,000. So if you’ve planned a trip to Hearst Castle or San Luis Obispo in the fall, winter or early spring, consider dropping by San Simeon to watch the elephant seals in action.
Where are the elephant seals now?
One is located at Año Nuevo State Park along the San Mateo Coast south of San Francisco. The other is Hearst-San Simeon State Park and the elephant seal vista point located about 5 miles north of Hearst Castle along the coast of San Luis Obispo County.
Where are the seals on Highway 1?
Elephant seals in Central California – They came to visit in 1990 and have stayed ever since. You can find them on Highway 1, just north of San Simeon and Cambria Piedras Blancas point and lighthouse and they’re fascinating to watch.
What time of year do seals mate?
Mating Activity Mating season varies among the subspecies but generally occurs in late spring through fall, when females come into estrus (“heat” or “season”) usually about six weeks after their pups are born.
What does a seal eat?
fish
Varied diets All seals eat other animals, and most rely on fish caught out at sea. But a few species break the mold. For instance, leopard seals make a living hunting down penguins and even other seals.
Where can I see wild seals in California?
Area Tips: Even though the beach is open to people during the summer, it’s still a favorite spot for seals. When they decide to take over the beach, people will have to stay away. When the Children’s Pool is closed, the neighboring South Casa Beach is often still open and full of seals.
Why do seals slap the water with their tails?
Under water, males vocalize as part of a mating display. In addition to vocal communication, harbor seals communicate visually by slapping the water with their bodies or pectoral flippers to show aggression. Males may also use this maneuver during courtship.
Where do GREY seals go in winter?
During the winter months grey seals can be seen hauled out on rocks, islands, and shoals not far from shore, occasionally coming ashore to rest.
When do elephant seals come to Cambria Beach?
September-October: The newest generation and juvenile seals arrive at the rookery. In October, the population on the beach hits another peak. November: Juvenile and young seals beach at the rookery, primarily males. More mature bulls arrive closer to the end of the month.
When is the best time to see elephant seals?
One of the most popular seasons for viewing the elephant seals is December to March, which can bring winter storms and windy conditions. Weather conditions at Piedras Blancas are usually moderate, but weather can change quickly.
Where is the elephant seal viewing area in San Simeon?
The only online store that specializes in elephant seals! Where is the Elephant Seal Viewing Area? The Elephant Seal Viewing area is located in San Simeon, California, 4.5 miles north of the Hearst Castle entrance on Hwy 1. Here is a link to our locations.
When do elephant seals come to the Rookery?
The number of seals at the rookery peaks three times during the year: in late January when most births have occurred, around the first of May at the peak of the juvenile/adult female molt, and in late October during the fall or juvenile haul-out. The annual cycle begins in November with the arrival of mature males at the end of the month.