Central California Coast
Sea Otter
The once-endangered Sea Otter is now thriving along the California coast. This one peers at me curiously as it seeks out food in Moss Landing, California.
Curious Sea Otter
A sea otter floats peacefully in a lagoon in central California, resting in between dives to collect dinner.
Otter washing its face
During my time with this otter, I noticed it was extremely fastidious about cleanliness.
Astonishment?
As much as this otter seems to convey a comical look of astonishment at my camera, it is really just continuing to wash up.
Watchful eye
The otter keeps a watchful eye on me as it washes up.
Dinner time
The otter has just surfaced with a shellfish.
Let us give thanks...
The otter strikes a curious pose, almost as if its paws are joined in prayer.
Dinner time again
What are you looking at?
This otter is enjoying a crab just picked up on his latest dive.
Just chillin'
Elephant seals galore
California coastal beaches are the seasonal home of the Elephant Seal. This seal got its name from the proboscis that males develop when sexual mature, which resembles a short elephant's trunk.
Elephant Seal Bull in surf
This male Elephant Seal is alerting other males to stay out of his part of the beach and away from his females and family members. Northern Elephant Seal bulls are a formidable animal and can weigh as much as 2,500 kilograms.
Elephant seals spend most of their lives in the open ocean and only come ashore twice a year to breed and molt.
Elephant seal coming ashore.
Elephant Seal brawl
Although most elephant seals appear to get along peacefully, there is fierce competition for beach space. After vocal arguments like this one, these issues are eventually resolved.
This is the life
This position seems comfortable enough for a snooze...
Molting female
Elephant seals shed their outer layer of skin and fur once a year, a process that can take up to a month to complete.
Elephant Seal pup
Females breed after their third year, and give birth to one pup at a time.
Flipping sand
A frequent behavior of elephant seals when they 'haul out' onto land is flipping sand onto their bodies. This apparently helps to keep them cool, since they are adapted to living most of their lives in cool Pacific waters.
