Northern Elephant Seal
Mirounga angustirostris
- Class
- Mammal
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 8,568
- Most observed in
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) or northern sea elephant, is one of two species of elephant seal (the other is the southern elephant seal). It is a member of the family Phocidae (true seals). Elephant seals derive their name from their great size and from the male's large proboscis, which is used in making extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating competition.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Northern elephant seal”.