Bulls threaten for dominance

Somepups are already weaned

Elephant seal pups born since winter’s storms subsided are doing well at Piedras Blancas beaches. Some are already weaned, others are still to be born. Bulls threaten each other, and occasional battles break out. It’s breeding season at the beach.

Highway 1 is now open north of the elephant seal viewpoint. The parking lot has been graded, but it still has significant potholes. Go slow.

Look for fat, roly-poly pups. After giving birth to 60-80 pound pups, the mothers nurse them for about a month. The pups gain about 200 pounds. Some gain far more. It’s unclear whether this additional weight is a survival advantage. The extra blubber may make them more buoyant in the water, making diving more difficult.

A gull steals milk from this nursing pup.

After they’re weaned, some congregate at the base of the cliffs. They molt their black baby coats and get their first countershaded fur, light on the belly and dark on the back. 

This pup is molting his black natal coat.

As the mothers come to the end of lactation, they come into estrus. They are then ready to mate with the bulls. That’s when the bulls get competitive. Earlier battles were over territory. Now, they battle over breeding rights. 

Look for bulls raising their heads to stare at each other. One or the other will make a move, backing off from a fight. It’s called dominance interaction, displacement. From the viewing area, visitors can see which bull is dominant. 

This bull announces his dominance.

Other beaches

The beaches north of the viewpoint, along the Boucher Trail, are also heavily populated with elephant seal mothers, pups and beachmasters. Park at the lot beyond the viewpoint and walk out.

Few bachelor bulls have come to Hearst Memorial Beach at San Simeon Cove this year. They may have gone to other beaches, such as the north beach at the Piedras Blancas viewpoint and other points north.

Beaches at the northern end of the Piedra Blancas viewpoint were completely inundated repeatedly during high winter tides and atmospheric river storms. That beach is almost exclusively populated by bulls this year.

The north beach at Piedras Blancas

State Parks tours

During this exciting season, February through March, State Parks is offering tours at the Arroyo Laguna beach. Tours are available 9 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Tickets are $13 per person. Meet at the parking lot, 2.25 miles north of the Hearst Castle Entrance and south of the Piedras Blancas viewpoint. 

Dress for conditions, walking on uneven rocky and sandy ground, possibly muddy. Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. Dress in warm layers. 

Bring cameras and binoculars. Call 805-776-2564 or check the website for information.

Superbowl ad

The Jeep ad shown during the Superbowl Electric Jeep Boogie Woogie, featured an elephant seal bull backing up rapidly. It’s somewhat enhanced, but visitors may well see bulls doing a similar maneuver, as they confront more dominant bulls.

Who Knew elephant seals would make their way into such rarefied circles!