United States - July 22, 2025 Hearst San Simeon State Park, California – A striking encounter was captured on video at the Piedras Blancas Northern Elephant Seal Rookery, showing two massive male elephant seals fiercely jostling for territory. These adult males, which can reach lengths of 14 to 16 feet and weigh between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, use their size and strength to establish dominance within the colony. The conflict drew attention to the animals’ remarkable features, including the male’s prominent proboscis. This inflatable nose allows them to produce loud vocalizations during breeding season, signaling both dominance and readiness to attract females. Female elephant seals, by comparison, are smaller, typically measuring 9 to 12 feet long and weighing 900 to 1,800 pounds. Despite the impressive size difference, the males’ aggressive encounters play a crucial role in establishing the social hierarchy and securing mating opportunities within the rookery. Elephant seals are also known for their incredible diving abilities, reaching depths of 1,000 to 2,000 feet or more. These deep dives complement their territorial displays, highlighting the remarkable adaptations that allow them to thrive along the California coast. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, the Piedras Blancas rookery continues to provide dramatic and unforgettable scenes of these ocean giants in action.