Munch :: Photo Of The Day and Natural History Commentary

2/16/2008

Munch

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Check it out, these are two bull elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) fighting for territory and mating access to females. The bull on the right has got the upper hand, having a firm grip on the proboscis (nose) of the seal on the left. It might look funny but it is quite brutal. I’d never seen this particular angle before.

Male elephant seals (bulls) rear up on their foreflippers and fight for territory and harems of females.  Bull elephant seals will haul out and fight from December through March, nearly fasting the entire time as they maintain their territory and harem.  They bite and tear at each other on the neck and shoulders, drawing blood and creating scars on the tough hides., Mirounga angustirostris,  Copyright Phillip Colla, image #20375, all rights reserved worldwide.
Male elephant seals (bulls) rear up on their foreflippers and fight for territory and harems of females. Bull elephant seals will haul out and fight from December through March, nearly fasting the entire time as they maintain their territory and harem. They bite and tear at each other on the neck and shoulders, drawing blood and creating scars on the tough hides. Piedras Blancas, San Simeon, California, USA.
Image: 20375  
Species: Mirounga angustirostris
Location: Piedras Blancas, San Simeon, California, USA
 

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Updated: May 16, 2008