Alpha Mating

Roger Bailey

Well-Known Member
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The Alpha Male Elephant Seal does not eat and loses half his weight during the Mating season. He has to fight to win the right to mate, keep the young ones at bay and mate with all the females in his harem. They can come in at close to 5,000 lbs. when they take the beach, and often leave at closer to 2500 lbs. It's hard work for them. an interesting watch for us. This guy caught a youngster trying to mate with some of his females and caught him just under the pier i was standing on. Being close to sunset I could not photograph the event but the blows he delivered to the young one shook the air and me. This happened within 5 feet from my feet and I could feel the impacts. Don't be fooled by their size. I can tell you if felt like a car hitting another car at 50 miles an hour. Impressive!
 

JimFox

Moderator
Staff member
Wow Roger, what a sight to have seen.

Which beach was this taken at? I will frequent the Elephant Seal preserve by San Simeon, though I also will go see the ones in La Jolla from time to time.
 

Trent Watts

Well-Known Member
What a great story and photograph Roger. Thanks for sharing this. I did not know about the weight loss.
 
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