California · 2005—2026
Northern elephant and harbour seals
Seals around California.
Follow public seal observations from California. Browse published records, explore the places and stories behind them, or share an encounter with the Seal Watch team.
- Total reports
- 54
- Latest observation
Public reports · newest first
Public records archive
17 January—8 February
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3 of 54 reports
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Explore by area
The overview shows the full California outline and enlarged coastal views for matching reports. Numbered markers represent broad named areas, never exact observation locations. Select an area to filter the archive. The Farallon Islands marker is offshore; small islands may be absent from the outline.
3 of 3 reports shown in coastal views · 2 areas
Big Sur and Cambria
Mapped areas North to south
Map: Natural Earth.
Reports over time
Select a year, then a month. Counts describe published reports; one animal may appear in several reports.
Grouped by each record’s archive date. Approximate dates keep their original labels in the records below.
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Date: 2026Reported: J912 The Tribune / Christine Heinrichs
Observation: The report records J912 moving north to Lighthouse Beach after his stay at the main Piedras Blancas viewing area.
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Date: 2026Reported: J912 The Tribune / Christine Heinrichs
Observation: Docent Barrett Stuart observed J912 hauled out with tracking equipment attached to his head and back.
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Date: 2026Reported: J912 The Tribune / Christine Heinrichs, citing UC Santa Cruz
Observation: Tracking data placed the adult male J912 ashore near Point Buchon after his return from northern foraging waters.