Mother Elephant Seal Vocalizing with Pup at Drakes Beach
Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at 11:55:30 PM · 2026/Drakes Beach Elephant Seal Pups
This intimate wildlife photograph captures a dramatic moment between elephant seals on a beach. An adult elephant seal, likely a mother, has her mouth wide open in what appears to be a vocalization or protective display, while a younger pup lies peacefully beside her on the sand. The mother's thick, wrinkled skin and prominent whiskers are clearly visible, along with her large dark eye. The sandy beach environment and the close proximity between the animals suggest this is during the breeding and pupping season when elephant seals haul out on shore. The image conveys both the nurturing and protective nature of elephant seal mothers with their young.
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