Elephant Seal Snorts
Mirounga

Elephant seals are largest seals and get their name from their really long noses that look like an elephant's trunk which the males start to get when they are 3 to 5 years old. The northern species are found in Mexico and California, while the southern species are found mostly in Antarctica but can be found along South American beaches in several areas. Every year the 4 ton males arrive first at the beach and when the females arrive, the big "beachmasters" start to assemble their harem. In the 19thC these huge seals were killed for their blubber for oil lamps. Nearly extinct in the early 20th C with some populations numbering less than 10 individuals, under protection, they have rebounded. Don't ever take a bet on who can hold their breath longer with one of these guys! .Elephant seals are able to dive to depths of 3200 feet and hold their breath for 2 hours by slowing their heart rate!

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