Mating Season for California's Elephant Seals
Central Coast Beachside Viewing near Hearst Castle and Cambria
Dec 31, 2008
One of nature’s greatest natural displays begins in early winter along the scenic Central Coast north of the town of Cambria. Mating elephant seals create an up close and personal exhibit where bystanders can enjoy watching large bulls, known as alpha males, interact with their female harems. Newborn calves are scattered around the beach and fortunately most avoid being crushed by the massive males. For unknown reasons, the migrating elephant seals have specifically chosen the Piedras Blancas area near Hearst Castle to rest, mate and bear their young. In January and February the beach overflows with sea mammals when all sizes and ages of elephant seals congregate on a compact sandy area.
This relatively new phenomenon (they started arriving in 1990) continues to multiply with an increased elephant seal population each year. Occasionally a few of the more adventurous mammals cross Pacific Coast Highway during the winter months but are returned by animal rescue workers. The bulls weigh approximately 5000 lbs. and are 15 ft. in length. They refrain from eating during their days at the beach but can often be seen slowly dragging themselves to and from the water. Their territorial instincts (related to their female harems) ignite spurring matches that include ferocious sound effects and the opportunity to see the full facial features and unique nose protrusions of the giant bulls. The more docile females spend the day fanning sand on themselves and their newborn calves and satisfying their dominant males as required. This nature show can be viewed from a boardwalk along Coast Highway that provides an opportunity to take close up photos and experience detailed viewing.
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
A few miles up the coast from the elephant seal rookery, the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse can be seen protruding from the rocky shoreline. The lighthouse was constructed in 1875 and included a Victorian cottage for the lighthouse keeper’s family. The structure has withstood storms and deteriorating conditions but much of the property has been restored. Tours of the lighthouse (now fully automated) and viewing of the original lens are periodically conducted.
The Central California Coastline
The elephant seals have chosen one of the most scenic coastline views in the country. They fill the small Piedras Blancas beach in the winter but there are plenty of other beaches to enjoy. Heading south on Pacific Coast Highway, Moonstone Beach near Cambria is a day walker’s dream either on the newly constructed boardwalk or along the sand. A short drive north from the elephant seal rookery, the Big Sur coastline begins offering miles of Pacific Ocean scenery.
The elephant seal population frequents the California beach scene throughout the year but the massive bulls arrive primarily from December through March. Their display of aggressive mating behavior and their phenomenal physical attributes create a wondrous natural display.
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