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. Sexual dimorphism in size is great. Correspondingly, the mating system is highly polygynous; a successful male is able to impregnate up to 50 females in one season.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Northern elephant seal”.