Northern Elephant Seal---Mirounga angustirostris
These 2 males, one perhaps a young adult, practice their moves last week in a lagoon along the Central Coast of California. Then here to molt and regrow their thin fur coat, they were not serious in their "play." They've left now to feed, but when they return in late November it will be "Game on!" and the battles real. This species exemplifies "survival of the fittest" ---only 1 % live to become alphas with a harem of females; less than 2% will ever mate.
Northern Elephant Seal---Mirounga angustirostris
These 2 males, one perhaps a young adult, practice their moves last week in a lagoon along the Central Coast of California. Then here to molt and regrow their thin fur coat, they were not serious in their "play." They've left now to feed, but when they return in late November it will be "Game on!" and the battles real. This species exemplifies "survival of the fittest" ---only 1 % live to become alphas with a harem of females; less than 2% will ever mate.