Since the 1990s Elephant seals have been breeding and birthing on a 7 mile stretch of beaches along this central coast, just north of San Simeon. Today about 25000 frequent these beaches, 10% of the world population. January is birthing season. We saw many newborns with their moms! Each Harem master, alpha male, has between 20 and 50 females that he guards until they are ready to wean pups and head back to sea, about 4 months. During this time all but the pups are fasting. The seals feeding grounds are far out to sea! This is a perfect time to see the seals, and if you never have seen this sight, come spend a couple days, It’s amazing!
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The Joys of Retirement Production Company 
I’ve been to the rookery several times, but I’ve never seen the beach covered by so many seals. There are probably twice as many as I’ve seen, I would guess it’s much earlier in the season than when I’ve been there before. I’ve also never seen the pups nursing. 😊
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Me either! We were here last in May and many have left by then and juveniles are left alone there until they venture out to sea. I’ve been in the fall when they start to”haul out ” after their summer feeding, and I’ve been one time when I’ve seen bulls sparing for beach turf, must have been December. I’d love to have walked along farther on the great new boardwalk to see I can see any birthing. There were a few so wet from birth and many sea gulls patrolling, they do clean up of the beach, eating the remnants of placenta lying around. An amazing time to be here for sure.
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