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352--California: Elephant Seals, 2 Tons of Fun @ CherieSpotting     May 24 2006 - 12:43 PST Cherie writes: What should you do if you see a Mirounga augustirostris on the beach? Take a photo of course! Commonly known at the Elephant Seal, these massive mammals flop onto the beach twice a year in California—once to mate and another time to molt. These 2 ½ ton mammals are the largest aquatic carnivores in existence. These big guys have powerful lungs and are great divers. They can stay under water for more than 80 minutes (more than any other mammal) and dive to depths of over 5187-ft (making the elephant seal the world’s deepest diving vertebrate.) The pups are called weaners and the baby elephant seals look like little puppies. But the elephant seals loose their cuteness as they age—they have hairy flippers, no ears and they grow noses down to their mouths. If you like hairy appendages, thick blubber & pendulous noses—take a peek at these Elephant Seal photos: Click on each picture to see it full size. read comments (0) | write comment| views: 7163    | rated: 0.0    printer-friendly version   Elephant seals spash and play along the shore in Central California. These 2 ½ ton mammals are the largest aquatic carnivores in existence. Ellie entertained by the elephant seals. There's no room on this beach! This molting seal looks like it is wearing a mask. Does anyone ever listen? An elephant seal smile. *Photo by Joanne Sogsti. Smells like sand. *Photo by Joanne Sogsti. The Mac & Michelle family. Cherie and Ellie. Ellie laughing. If it itches, you gotta scratch. *Photo by Joanne Sogsti. Kylie with the elephant seals. He's tired. Cherie. Dad, Ellie and Mom. He's got those puppy-dog eyes. Brother and sister watch the elephant seals together. Greg and Kylie. She needs a face peel. The wonder diet that didn't work. Dad and Mom. Elephant seals at play. Surrounded by grandkids. Tanner. Just a quick snack break. Squirrel friends. The twins. Ken and Renee. Michelle points at all the elephant seals. Singing in the sand. Butt what? Mom, Dad and Ellie. There's no where to put your towel on this crowded beach. Family time. Elephant Seals can stay under water for more than 80 minutes (more than any other mammal in the world.) Chloe. Mac, Michelle, Ellie and Tanner. Cherie and Greg. Elephant seals like to play. Renee and Ellie. The whole gang! Wild flower. Seals necking. This must be make-out point! Cherie and Ellie. Elephant seals love the water and can dive to depths of over 5187-ft (making the elephant seal the world’s deepest diving vertebrate.) Dad and Mom. Greg and Kylie. Wait...wait...I know the answer. Kenny & Renee. Ellie on edge. Elephant seals have hairy flippers, no ears and they grow noses down to their mouths. Ellie and Joanne. Shout...shout...let it all out. *Photo by Joanne Sogsti.