Point Reyes National Seashore . At this Marin County park, there are three good spots to watch the seals: the Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock, above Drakes Bay and the South Beach Overlook. There is no fee for visiting the park. Parts of the beach are closed to protect the elephant seal colony from Dec.
Where are the elephant seals in Northern California?
The best viewing areas are located 90 miles south of Monterey, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon . They are 1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are open every day of the year, are wheelchair accessible and free.
Where are all the seals in California?
The Channel Islands are a key habitat on the California coast for seal and sea lions. The National Parks Service shares that four species of seals and sea lions make the Channel Islands their home, including California sea lions, northern fur seals, harbor seals and northern elephant seals.
Where can I see seals in the Bay Area?
Of more than 30 marine mammals known to visit Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area , harbor seals are the only year-round residents, and are also the most numerous and widespread. In fact, Point Reyes is home to the highest concentration of harbor seals in mainland California.
How much do baby seals cost?
You can expect to pay a hefty price to own a seal, probably between $5,000 to $10,000 as the best guess. However, the initial price will just be the start.
What time do seals come out?
When it’s hot during summer months, they’ll typically leave the beach by 8 a.m. (also because that’s when the humans start to arrive). They usually return when the sand cools down in the late afternoon and around sunset.
What time of day are elephant seals most active?
When it’s hot and sunny, the seals typically leave the beach each morning by 7:00 or 8:00am at the latest. They’ll gradually return to the sand in the late afternoon or early evening , once the shade and/or tide has cooled off the sand.
When can you see 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.
Where can I see seals near me?
- Seven Sea Caves of La Jolla. Just to the east of the Cove, you can find La Jolla’s famous Seven Sea Caves. ...
- Seven Sea Caves of La Jolla. ...
- Boomer Beach. ...
- Boomer Beach. ...
- Shell Beach/Seal Rock. ...
- Shell Beach/Seal Rock. ...
- La Jolla Cove. ...
- La Jolla Cove.
Can you see seals at Seal Beach?
In Seal Beach you will notice that little seals are everywhere ! The street signs have little seal emblems on them, the trash containers have seal designs, the playground below the pier has seal rides for the kiddos... the list goes on, and it can be great fun to spot as many as you can while you’re in town.
Where can I see seals in Big Sur?
The Piedras Blancas rookery is about 7 miles north of the town of San Simeon (250 miles north of Los Angeles) on the California Central Coast. It’s an unbeatable viewing area because the seals have conveniently situated themselves RIGHT NEXT to the highway.
Are seals friendly to humans?
Wild seals are not friendly towards humans , but they’ve got used to human presence as they are often fed, so they’ve become neutral. However, despite their friendly-looking appearance, seals can be dangerous to humans, and because of that, they should be treated with caution like every other wild animal.
How close can you get to an elephant seal?
If a seal becomes alert or nervous and begins to move away, you are too close. Stay at least 25 feet (~8 meters) from elephant seals. Do not come between a cow and pup, a bull and a group of cows, or two bulls challenging each other. Watch quietly; whisper.
Where are the Pier 39 seals?
When you think of San Francisco icons, the sea lions are up there with the Golden Gate Bridge. They are one of the reasons why PIER 39 is the top attraction in San Francisco. On a typical day, you can find them lounging in the sun or piled on top of each other on K-Dock in PIER 39’s West Marina .
Are there seals in the Bay Area?
Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) are one of six pinniped species found in the San Francisco Bay Area . Unlike elephant seals, harbor seals are present year-round. Their population provides valuable insights into the condition of marine and coastal ecosystems.
What happens if a seal bites you?
Because seals are not aggressive, their bites would often serve as a threat or warning and would rarely intend to hurt or injure you. Seal bites are not fatal or gravely dangerous either, but they can cause infections .
Is it legal to have a pet seal in California?
Yes, legally, you can have a pet seal.
What does a seal eat?
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.
How many babies do seals have at a time?
Females generally give birth to one pup each year . Multiple births are extremely rare, but twin fetuses have been documented.
Where do seals sleep?
Seals sleep in the water as well as on land . In the water, they sleep floating in a standing position, like a fishing bobber, or floating horizontally on the surface. Because they are sleeping and not actively swimming, they can stay under water much longer than when hunting for food.
Do seals drink water?
Like all marine mammals, seals get all the water they need from their food. Their bodies are very efficient at removing and recycling water from their food. They avoid drinking sea water ; if a seal drinks too much sea water it can become seriously sick.
Where can I find elephant seals?
Where They Live. Northern elephant seals are found in the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean . 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.
Why is Hearst Castle closed?
The 127-acre estate of media magnate William Randolph Hearst was originally designed by architect Julia Morgan over 100 years ago and has been shut down since March 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak . The attraction then remained closed after a storm caused damage to its access road in January of 2021.
Where are the elephant seals in Big Sur?
These elephant seals reside within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary which emcompasses 276 miles of shoreline and 5,322 square miles of ocean. Click Here for more information about MBNMS.
Where do seals give birth in California?
Harbor seals give birth between March and June on tidal sandbars, rocky reefs and pocket beaches .
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.
Do orcas eat elephant seals?
Types of prey
At Sea Lion Island, the main killer whale target are the elephant seals. Although killer whales are routinely observed chasing sea lions, penguins, and even steamer ducks, they concentrate on elephant seals , that is probably the species that guarantees the best return for the effort.
