Elephant seals were hunted to the brink of extinction for oil by the end of the 19th century, but their numbers have since recovered. They are the largest extant carnivorans, with mature males weighing more than 8,000 pounds!

These are northern elephant seals, which spend their lives across North America's Pacific coast. They breed annually and are seemingly habitual. Some of the older ones here have been visiting this beach for a while.

This beach does look like a nice place to nap. If your seal friends will leave you alone long enough.