Cambria, US (TAN): A new generation of northern elephant seal pups is being born in the north of Cambria in California state of western US.
The world’s largest population of these huge seals is found on the US central coast just north of Cambria in San Simeon.
Elephant Seals are seen all year at the Piedras Blancas Rookery but the best time to see these amazing animals in action are October through May with the birthing and breeding taking place in January and February, the local tourism website says.
January and February is the only time of year one can see all of them — the big 5,000-pound males, females and newborn pups. And if you’re patient and Lady Luck smiles, you can even see a birth.
The rookery here said to be is the largest in the world with around 17,000 seals at a time in peak season.
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Their numbers had dwindled since the 1900s when hunters nearly killed off the entire northern elephant seal population. Since then, the count has improved hugely. It’s a conservation delight for California, where Cambria is located.
This time of year, the seals beach on the Central Coast, mating and giving birth before sliding back into the ocean again.
The pups stay with the mother for about 24 days and is then weaned from mother’s milk. Gradually, the females will leave the beach, leaving the pups that have been weaned.
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The pupping season draws in doves of visitors from the rest of the US and around the globe, making this rainy, cold season bringing with them a surprising tourism boost for the Cambria area. It’s one of the only areas where one can see the northern elephant seals.
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