Elephant Seals

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Elephant seals are a genus of marine mammals, and the largest members of the family Phocidae (true seals or seals without ears).

There are two species, the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pictured above, and the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina).

They are the largest members of the family Phocidae, with the southern species being the larger of the two species.

While size may partially account for their name, the male's extended nose, which resembles an elephant's trunk, better explains the elephant name.

© 2005 Patricia A Michaels