Pinnipeds - Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris)
Northern elephant seals are in the family Phocidae. They have short, coarse grey or brown fur and a very thick blubber layer that insulates them from cold water. Adult males are larger than females and can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. Females can weigh up to 1,700 pounds. Adult males have a ‘chest shield' that develops with age to protect them from injury when they fight with other males for breeding territories. The chest shield is pink and is formed from keratinized skin. Males also develop a probosicis (the elephant's trunk) with age.
NMML does not conduct research on Northern elephant seals. Because Northern elephant seals pup on the same beaches as California sea lions, imagery is available.
Unless indicated otherwise Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) photos and videos are in the public domain and cannot be copyrighted. Credit should be given to (photographer's name if available), Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries Service. For use of images other than those of the AFSC, please contact the image source as credited on the image detail page. Thank you.
