An alert weaner Northern Elephant Seal, Mirounga angustirostris, on Isla Benito del Oeste, Baja California, Mexico.

• Contributor: Elizabeth Leyden / Alamy Stock Photo
• Image ID: D5XC5A
• File size: 52.6 MB (2.4 MB Compressed download)
• Releases: Model - no | Property - no
• Dimensions: 5250 x 3500 px | 44.5 x 29.6 cm | 17.5 x 11.7 inches | 300dpi
• Date taken: 26 March 2013
• Location: Isla San Benitos del Oueste, West San Benito Island, Baja California Norte, Mexico

More information

The pups are weaned at two months old, when their mother abandons them to go north or north-west to the feeding grounds. The weaners stay on their natal beaches for about three months then must teach themselves to swim and hunt before themselves heading off to the feeding grounds.