Habitat:
Sandy beaches, coastal islands, and nearshore Pacific waters

Activity period :
Activity varies depending on season, weather, or human pressure.

Identification and description:
The northern elephant seal is a large marine pinniped, with adult males measuring 3–4 m in length and weighing 1800–2500 kg, and females reaching 2–2.5 m for 400–900 kg. It inhabits sandy beaches and coastal islands of the North Pacific, alternating long foraging trips at sea feeding on squid and fish with land phases at breeding sites. During the breeding season (December to January), males establish harems, produce deep bellows and engage in spectacular fights for female access, while females dig shallow nests and give birth to a single pup.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Photograph the northern elephant seal from a distance using a telephoto lens of ≥400 mm from the beach at sunrise or sunset. Position yourself behind natural blinds (dunes or rocks) to avoid disturbing the animals and use a fast shutter speed to freeze movement.