Aitcho Island
They stink. They make gross sounds. Only a generous viewer would call them pretty. Their habits are disgusting. They are foul tempered. It is a thrill to see them!
For southern elephant seals this is molting season. Lasting for well over a month, this is the time of year for individuals of the largest of all seal species to shed their outer layer of skin as well as their fur. They haul out on flat beaches, form wallows where they lay next to and even on top of one another. This behavior, known as thigmotaxis, conserves body heat during this time of fasting.
These seals are often afflicted with nasal mites, causing them to snort and sneeze loudly and regularly, and many have runny noses. There is ongoing growling and minor skirmishing as the animals shift positions.
Hunted to the brink of extinction for their ample blubber, these animals are making a remarkable recovery. Once they have their new coats, these extraordinary animals will go to sea, where they feed mainly on squid, until next breeding season in the austral spring.
They stink. They make gross sounds. Only a generous viewer would call them pretty. Their habits are disgusting. They are foul tempered. It is a thrill to see them!
For southern elephant seals this is molting season. Lasting for well over a month, this is the time of year for individuals of the largest of all seal species to shed their outer layer of skin as well as their fur. They haul out on flat beaches, form wallows where they lay next to and even on top of one another. This behavior, known as thigmotaxis, conserves body heat during this time of fasting.
These seals are often afflicted with nasal mites, causing them to snort and sneeze loudly and regularly, and many have runny noses. There is ongoing growling and minor skirmishing as the animals shift positions.
Hunted to the brink of extinction for their ample blubber, these animals are making a remarkable recovery. Once they have their new coats, these extraordinary animals will go to sea, where they feed mainly on squid, until next breeding season in the austral spring.
