Largest, Loudest, Most Distinct Pinnipeds

Elephant seals are classified within the seal family of pinnipeds, clearly identifiable by their lack of external ears, reduced limbs, and inflatable trunk-like snout, from which they derive their name. There are two distinct species of elephant seal, the northern and southern. Northern elephant seals are found up and down the coast of California, in the United States, and Baja California, in Mexico, preferring to congregate on offshore islands rather than the mainland. The southern species lives in the nutrient rich sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters of the chilly Southern Ocean and are the largest of all seal species.

Elephant seals are classified within the seal family of pinnipeds, clearly identifiable by their lack of external ears, reduced limbs, and inflatable trunk-like snout, from which they derive their name. There are two distinct species of elephant seal, the northern and southern. Northern elephant seals are found up and down the coast of California, in the United States, and Baja California, in Mexico, preferring to congregate on offshore islands rather than the mainland. The southern species lives in the nutrient rich sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters of the chilly Southern Ocean and are the largest of all seal species.