When the Big Boys fight, Elephant Seals

[Roger Bailey]

 

[Roger Bailey]

I have been privileged to visit several of the places Elephant seals come ashore along the California Coast. This photo was taken at Ana Nuevo State Park, north of Santa Cruz. They have docent walks and one weekend in Feb. they have a photo day that you can spend a morning or afternoon specifically for photographers. These males come in at over 4,000 lbs. with some reaching up to 5,500 lbs. When they fight, they rear up and crash into each other sometimes biting the other male on the neck. Dominance is the theme of the day with the winner keeping his harem.

 

[AlanLichty]

Nice time to have a long lens. Two and a half tons is a lot of critter to avoid. Hope the ladies stay far enough away to not get crushed.

 

[JimFox]

I have never been there to capture the Elephant Seals, usually I am at the one near San Simeon. So I liked hearing about this one near Santa Cruz. And good job capturing the action. Those are huge creatures!

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Nice action scene.