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| Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park |
If you fancy yourself a nature lover, there's a habitat
for elephant seals along the California coast that you won't want to miss.
Visit between December and March
During the December to March mating season, there are
docent-led nature walks at Año Nuevo State Park where you can learn all about
the habits and habitats of one of nature's most enormous creatures, the
elephant seal.
The main attraction is always the great northern elephant
seals that can weigh 2 ½ tons each, but other visible species include sea
lions, otters, and harbor seals.
It's fun to watch the big bulls fight for dominance on
the beach and strut their stuff to attract the bevy of ladies in-waiting. At
the end of the party, many of the females - pregnant from the year before -
give birth in the sand. Then it's off to the ocean until next year's call to
revelry.
Interesting History
Hunted to near extinction in the nineteenth century, the
elephant seal population dwindled to about 100 animals. Protected by the
American and Mexican governments in the early twentieth century, the population
has rebounded to some 150,000.
The first elephant seal sightings at Año Nuevo began in
the 1950s. The first pups were born on the mainland in the 70s, and by the
mid-90s, the number of local births was in the thousands.
This is successful conservation in action!
Other Seasons
In March, and after the main group has departed for parts
unknown, the pups and several hundred elephant seals remain to rest and
recuperate along the beach and molt - not as lively as mating, but still worth
seeing.
Be forewarned, on warm sunny days, there is nothing quite
like the aroma of a molting elephant seal.
The island
Just off the mainland sits Año Nuevo Island. The barren
and wind-swept island is home to the remains of a 19th-century lighthouse. The
historic keeper's house shown above was constructed in 1872 and now provides
shelter to an assortment of Cormorants and Sea Lions.
Prepare For A Mini-workout
You will walk approximately 3-miles during a tour at Año
Nuevo. Wear comfortable clothes, especially shoes, because your guided walk
will take you over varied terrain including sand dunes, and you know what it's
like to trudge in sand.
Also, wear appropriate headgear because the tours go,
rain or shine - and umbrellas are not permitted.
NOTE: There is an accessible boardwalk via van for those
needing mobility assistance. Ask for details when purchasing tickets for the
tour.
For more information about visiting with the fascinating
elephant seals, check out the park's website.
There's also a worthwhile Marine Education Center located
within the park boundaries with interesting animal, plant, and geological
exhibits, along with information about the colorful history of the area.
If you go
Año Nuevo State Park is on California Route 1,
approximately 20 miles north of Santa Cruz, 35 miles south of Half Moon Bay,
and about 60 miles south of San Francisco.
Treat yourself and your family to a visit with the
magnificent elephant seals. We recommend it. The scenic ride along iconic Highway
1 is the icing on the cake.
Happy travels!
Author: Wayne Bayliff
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