Newborn Seal Pups Nurse On California Beach: Photo Of The Day

SAN SIMEON, CA — Steve Gorman took this remarkable photo recently at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, on the Central Coast. According to Steve, "December through January is the peak birthing season, and here a mother nurses two pups."

He continued, "In the 19th century, elephant seals were hunted for their blubber, and faced near extinction. Since then, they have recovered and repopulated their traditional haul-outs along the California and Mexico coasts. In 1990, elephant seals began arriving at the Piedras Blancas beach, and now about 25,000 of the estimated total population of 250,000 use the seven miles of beach here. A long boardwalk allows visitors to view the amazing sight of thousands of elephant seals and their pups on the beach below, without disturbing them."

Check out live cams from the beach.

Thank you for sharing your photo and information with Patch readers, Steve.

Also See:

• Mellow Sunset Settles Over Ballena Bay: Photo Of The Day

If you have an awesome photo of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny, or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we'd love to feature it on Patch.

We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty and fun that is Northern California, and that show off your unique talents. Cell phone images are fine.

Email it to bea.karnes@patch.com.