As we were observing otters in the northern portion of Moss Landing Harbor, we observed an elephant seal moving towards the shore. An elephant seal? This species of marine mammal is not typically found in in the Moss Landing area! We took a break from otter behavioral sampling to observe this unlikely visitor.
As we were observing from the jetty near "Track Beach," she started to haul out onto shore and we were able to see an injury above her left pectoral fin. We moved back up the beach to give her plenty of room (at least 50 feet) and called the Marine Mammal Center. 
When the rescue crew arrived, they moved in within six feet of the animal to assess her condition. They reported back to our team that her injury was healing and there were no signs of infection. 
Although she is currently underweight and moderately dehydrated, they predict that she will eventually. We were then escorted closer to this massive mammal to learn more about the physiology of an elephant seal! You can learn more about elephant seals at The Marine Mammal Center website. Please note that I took these photos with a very long camera lens; and the closest photos were taken while I was being escorted by an experienced marine mammal rescue worker.
Anna
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