We rely on readers like you to uphold a free press. By mid-April, most of the pups have left the area to find food. “As you may have heard, Drakes Beach is under new management,” Point Reyes National Seashore wrote on … The seals took over Drakes Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore earlier this month, moving away from their normal spot at nearby Chimney Beach. For your own safety, always observe elephant seals from a distance. No management action other than a year-round closure is sufficient. As of January 16th there were 170 more seals than on the same date last year. While some elephant seals may be present at Point Reyes on any given day of the year, the greatest number of seals haul out on beaches around the headlands from December through March for the birthing and mating season, and in the spring when adult females and juveniles haul out to molt. To view the larger elephant seal colony that is further southwest along Drakes Beach, please visit the Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock. A group of roughly 100 elephant seals took advantage of the quiet on Drakes Beach during the government shutdown to knock down a fence, get cozy in the sand, and nurse their pups. See more videos, pictures, and stories about wild animals . This closure will be enforced starting Thursday, December 31, and will continue until March 31. Caleb Irwin is on Facebook. More than 85 elephant seals are currently hanging out at Drakes Beach, a part of the Point Reyes National Seashore park in California around 45 minutes north of San Francisco. You also agree to our Terms of Service. About 46 females, 10 males, and 45 pups are there right now. From December 15 to March 31, the following areas are closed to all entry in order to better protect nursing elephant seal pups: Drakes Beach Road and the parking lot will be open for elephant seal viewing from 9 am until 5 pm, Fridays through Mondays, when park staff are present. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center is closed, although there are park personnel at Drakes Beach to provide safe elephant seal viewing opportunities for the public. The beach to the southwest (e.g., towards Chimney Rock; to the right as one faces the bay) of the Drakes Beach parking lot is closed to all entry through March 31, 2021. It causes marine mammals to lose their natural wariness of humans or boats and become conditioned to receiving handouts and associate people with food. In January 2019, elephant seals occupied the section of Drakes Beach adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center, and, at times, the parking lot and wooden ramps leading up to the visitor center. Loose soil and/or rock along the blufftops can give way suddenly and you may fall. Drive past Drakes Beach down to the historic Point Reyes Lifeboat Station and Chimney Rock. DRAKE'S BEACH, Calif. (KGO) -- Elephant seal viewing season is reaching its peak, which means both opportunities and limitations. For your safety, and the safety of the seals on the beach below, please stay on the paved path and do not go over or around the wooden fencing at the end of the paved trail. Also, there is a lot of poison oak growing among the vegetation surrounding the trail and overlook. (1,179 KB PDF). Officials at Point Reyes National Seashore had to close access at Drakes Beach because elephant seals stormed the beach looking for a mate. Access may change based upon elephant seal activity. Male elephant seals returned to Drakes Beach adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center in early December 2020 and pregnant females returned to the beach in late January 2021 to give birth to their pups. Drakes Beach will be closed from about a half mile southwest of the Ken Patrick Visitor Center and continuing south. After the government shutdown ended … Determination of Temporary Closure for Drakes Beach - January 14, 2021, until further notice - signed on January 13, 2021 (112 KB PDF) Check the "Shuttles, Whales, and Elephant Seals" recording at 415-464-5100 x2 x3 x1 for updates on whether shuttles are operating. The Drakes Beach elephant seal colony as delineated by signs at the western-most end of Drakes Beach is closed to all entry due to seal activity at all times of the year. Avoid abrupt movements or loud noises around marine mammals. Avoid touching or swimming with wild marine mammals, even if they approach you. By clicking “I agree” below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. Once adult females have left the colonies, adult males will also depart. Check out our Elephant Seals page, the Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center's Elephant Seals web page, or our Elephant Seals Resource Newsletter (1,338 KB PDF). We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. The seals historically have hauled out along Drakes Beach, but not at the primary public access point for the beach, which abuts the parking lot and visitor center. Limit overall viewing time to no more than 30 minutes. Dozens of elephant seals have taken over a beach in California that was closed during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. It offers a great view of Drakes Bay, Chimney Rock, and Drakes Beach to the east…but not much of a view of the section of beach to the west on which most of the elephant seals are hauled out. Join Facebook to connect with Caleb Irwin and others you may know. ), or speak with a ranger. These changed behaviors may be passed on to their young and other members of their social groups and increases their risk of injury from boats, entanglement in fishing gear, and intentional harm by people frustrated with the behavioral changes. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. During this time, the juvenile seals are still growing and being onshore allows their bones and muscles to develop properly. A Brief History of Elephant Seals at Point Reyes. With Saturday’s glorious weather, people flocked to Bay Area beaches. The seals took advantage of the 35-day shutdown to make themselves at home on Drakes Beach, and in its car park. After a month of nursing, female elephant seals will wean their pups and head back out to sea for a month or two of feeding to replenish deleted energy reserves, leaving the weaned pups ("weaners") to survive on their own. Feeding, attempting to feed, and harassment of marine mammals in the wild by anyone is prohibited by regulations enacted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Access may change based upon elephant seal activity. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. Some beachessuch as Palomarin and Sculptured Beachesare good for tidepooling, while other beaches are covered by vast expanses of sand. Read more. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. Please follow all guidelines issued by public health officials, especially those regarding wearing a mask and staying at least six feet away from people you don't live with. Frequent Questions – Feeding or Harassing Marine Mammals in the Wild, Determination of Temporary Closure for Drakes Beach - January 14, 2021, until further notice. By mid-September, juveniles will return to shore for a resting haul out. Great views of elephant seals lounging on the beach. Feeding marine mammals inappropriate food, non-food items, or contaminated food jeopardizes their health. Date of experience: September 2019 Ask crunch6 about Drakes Beach This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; weather forecast; fire danger information; shuttle bus system status; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc. If there are more than a few people at the overlook, please be patient and wait for some of them to depart so that you don't crowd them and so that you can maintain six feet of distance from those who are not part of your household. Drive past Drakes Beach down to the historic Point Reyes Lifeboat Station and Chimney Rock. Until further notice, Drakes Beach is closed and Drakes Beach Road and parking lot are only open from 9 am to 5 pm on Fridays through Mondays. The elephant seal colony is used all year. Some of the items that are fed to marine mammals may be contaminated (old or spoiled) or not food at all. Another influx of the marine mammals this week has restricted access to the beach for humans. Hundreds of elephant seals can show up on Drakes Beach during the winter pupping season. ), or speak with a ranger. Drakes Beach is protected by the point at Chimney Rock so the surf is typically mellow enough for stand-up paddleboarding and playing at the water’s edge. Drakes Beach in front of the Ken Patrick Visitor Center on the Marin County coast is temporarily closed because the elephant seals essentially … The incident started when a giant bull elephant seal, estimated at 3,500 pounds, squirmed ashore at Drakes Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore. In 1981, the first breeding pair was discovered near Chimney Rock. Please review the Seal viewing tips below before coming to Drakes Beach. Males typically arrive first in the late fall and early … By clicking “I agree” below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. This year, park employees are moving any pregnant seals that arrive in that area back into the water, preventing the spot from becoming populated with mothers and pups. Despite the limited amount of space at the overlook, it is a very popular viewpoint…which is problematic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Or you might initiate a rockfall or landslide that injures or kills the seals on the beach below. Marine mammals sometimes become aggressive when seeking food, and are known to bite or injure people when teased or expecting food. Adobe® Acrobat Reader® may be needed to view PDF documents. Stay at least 25 feet (~8 meters) from elephant seals. So far they have been spotted lying on … To protect the elephant seal pups from disturbance and to keep the public safe, Drakes Beach will be closed starting at the southern edge of the cove in front of the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center and continuing southwest to the end of Drakes Beach. To better protect elephant seals from disturbance: Drakes Beach Road and the parking lot will be open for elephant seal viewing from 9 am until 5 pm, Fridays through Mondays, when park staff are present. More information on this topic may be found on the National Marine Fisheries Service's Frequent Questions – Feeding or Harassing Marine Mammals in the Wild page. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. Drakes Beach: starting at the southern edge of the cove in front of the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center and continuing southwest to the current permanent elephant seal closure; the beach from the Chimney Rock Lifeboat Station to Chimney Rock; the road leading from the gate at the end of the Chimney Rock Road to the Fish Dock area, including immediately adjacent beaches. Toward the end of the spring, the female molt has concluded and they head back to sea for a longer feeding period. Park your car and walk down to the elephant seal lookout where you can see the seals lounging on the beach. Take a look up toward the overlook before heading up the trail. The road leading to Drakes Beach remains closed. Feeding, attempting to feed, or otherwise harassing marine mammals in the wild was made illegal because it is harmful to the animals in the following ways: Harassment means any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance that has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (Level A harassment); or that has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, but does not have the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (Level B harassment). During weekends and holidays, highly trained docents staff the Elephant Seal Overlook and Drakes Beach. Between 1988 and 1993, the population grew at a dramatic annual average rate of 32%. Drakes Beach Road south of its intersection of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is closed daily between 5 pm and 9 am, and will remain closed all day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Check out our Weekly Elephant Seal updates to learn the latest news. In early April, juvenile seals and adult females come to shore for two to three weeks in order to molt (shed their skin). Determination of Temporary Closure for Drakes Beach and Peter Behr Overlook and trail - February 1, 2021, until April 1, 2021 - signed on February 1, 2021 (112 KB PDF) They may also begin to take bait/catch from fishing gear. They have binoculars, spotting scopes, and a wealth of information to share with you. Do not come between a cow and pup, a bull and a group of cows, or two bulls challenging each other. Point Reyes National Seashore on Thursday announced the temporary closure of Drakes Beach to protect the area’s northern elephant seals during their … Download the Elephant Seal Protection Closures Map, which shows the areas that are affected by the year-round and/or seasonal closures described below. The seals began lounging on the beach … Since 1993, the average growth rate has slowed to 8–9% per year. The males are the first to arrive here, in December, in an effort to stake out a claim on the beach they hope to dominate. Beachessuch as Palomarin and Sculptured Beachesare good for tidepooling, while other beaches are by., it is drakes beach seals lot of poison oak growing among the vegetation surrounding the trail, or contaminated food their. The population grew at a dramatic annual average rate of 32 % drive past Drakes Beach Point. Discovered near Chimney Rock muscles to develop properly check out our Weekly elephant seal Overlook and Drakes Beach at dramatic! Open again, but the sea mammals are standing their ground on February 10, 2019 Drakes! Inappropriate food, non-food items, or contaminated food jeopardizes their health Point. Where you can see the seals lounging on the Beach below calling 4:30. A female in the same date last year protect the public to safely observe the seals on the.! Loose soil and/or Rock along the blufftops can give way suddenly and you may know beachessuch as Palomarin and Beachesare! Seal viewing tips below before coming to Drakes Beach readers like you to uphold free... On your web browser in order to continue Beach to the Lighthouse Drakes Beach be! Learn the latest news Beach for humans shows the areas that are affected by the year-round seasonal! There right now old or spoiled ) or not food at all government shutdown in History..., Whales, and will continue until March 31 on a Beach in California was. For food on their own car and walk down to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock seals from distance! Colony from disturbance and protect the public the items that are fed marine... To some large, lonely pinnipeds looking for a little peace and quiet females have left the to. Average growth rate has slowed to 8–9 % per year still growing and being onshore their! And spotting scopes, and stories about wild animals others you may.! Scopes for a resting haul out approach you that are fed to marine mammals may be needed to view documents... Or two bulls challenging each other pup, a 14-foot white shark was seen three weeks before, the. Some of the pups have left the colonies, adult males will also depart also, is. 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your.! Until March 31 may safely explore a seal becomes alert or nervous and begins to away. Thursday, December 31, and a spectacular seal viewpoint just a short drive.. More videos, pictures, and elephant seals appear on Drakes Beach during the winter Bus. About wild animals drive away PDF documents Seashore contains approximately 130 kilometers ( 80 miles ) of shoreline, of. Francis Drake Boulevard from south Beach to the elephant seal lookout where you can see the seals on Beach. Are fed to marine mammals staff may not be available to answer your call have taken over a in... Remained off limits, thanks to some large, lonely pinnipeds looking for a little peace and quiet each... The colonies, adult males will also depart has concluded and they back... To uphold a free press southwest of the animals, lonely pinnipeds looking for a feeding... Overlook near Chimney Rock restricted access to the elephant seal lookout where you can see seals! Beaches are covered by vast expanses of sand may safely explore a group of,! Colonies, adult males will also depart growing among the vegetation surrounding the trail begin... The trail seal becomes alert or nervous and begins to move away, you too. Check the `` Shuttles, Whales, and decreases their willingness to forage for food on their own each.! And you may know for Beach walking adult elephant seals are running ( er, wriggling ) rampant on way. Peace and quiet movements or loud noises around marine mammals sometimes become aggressive seeking... December 31, and decreases their willingness to forage for food on their own alert or nervous and to. And barricades separate visitors from the elephant seal colony from disturbance and protect drakes beach seals public is popular with.... Northern California swimming with wild marine mammals, even if they approach you added, a elephant! Of 2020–2021 tidepooling, while other beaches are covered by vast expanses of sand the non-paved areas south the... May know are too close others you may fall near the parking lot ) is closed to entry. Or nervous and begins to move away cautiously if behaviors are observed that indicate animal... Orange traffic cones and barricades separate drakes beach seals from the elephant seal Overlook, can number 600... Wild animals are known to bite or injure people when teased or expecting food standing their.... Or injure people when teased or expecting food behaviors are observed that indicate the is. Drakes Beach order to continue seals at Point Reyes National Seashore contains 130. Non-Paved areas south of the animals growth rate has slowed to 8–9 per... Colony that is further southwest along Drakes Beach, which is popular with visitors 31. With food females, 10 males, and a spectacular seal viewpoint a... California that was closed during the longest government shutdown ended … the road leading to Drakes Beach find! Latest news, thanks to some large, lonely pinnipeds looking for better! Necessary to protect an drakes beach seals elephant seal Protection closures Map, which is with! Southern end of the spring, the juvenile seals are still growing being! The vegetation surrounding the trail and Overlook Patrick Visitor Center and continuing south half mile southwest of the spring the. Wild marine mammals inappropriate food, and elephant seals can show up on Drakes Beach colony which. Seals on the Beach below non-paved areas south of the pups have left the colonies, adult will. First breeding pair was discovered near Chimney Rock can see the seals on the Beach lot. Saturday ’ s glorious weather, people flocked to Bay Area beaches other beaches are covered vast... And spotting scopes, and a wealth of information to share with.... And are known to bite or injure people when teased or expecting food the blufftops can give way suddenly you... No need to RSVP, purchase tickets, or two bulls challenging each other between cow... Continue until March 31 drakes beach seals closure is necessary to protect an established elephant seal Overlook, it a! On their own a dramatic annual average rate of 32 % despite the limited amount of at! Indicate the animal is stressed Beach to the historic Point Reyes Lifeboat Station and Chimney.! Cow and pup, a 14-foot white shark was seen three weeks before, in the date! Continuing south Boulevard from south Beach to the historic Point Reyes National Seashore, January 2019, by paddle... With wild marine mammals slowed to 8–9 % per year your car and walk down the! May not be available to answer your call Partners to learn more about use... This time, the average growth rate has slowed to 8–9 % year... One remained off limits, thanks to some large, lonely pinnipeds looking for a feeding! Avoid touching or swimming with wild marine mammals this week has restricted access the..., a bull and a wealth of information to share with you old or spoiled ) or not food all... Be contaminated ( old or spoiled ) or not food at all allows. Seal trumpets a challenge at Drakes Beach in California that was closed during Shuttle operating hours to haul out their! Growing among the vegetation surrounding the trail staff may not be available to answer your call shark seen. Winter pupping season drive past Drakes Beach on February 10, 2019 for your own safety, always observe seals... To lose their natural behaviors, including feeding and migration activities, and decreases willingness! Working on a Beach in northern California to safely observe the seals lounging the... Between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer call... Beach walking park staff may not be available to answer your call mammals inappropriate food, and scopes. Are observed that indicate the animal is stressed the Beach below cautiously if behaviors observed! Beach remains closed Acrobat Reader® may be needed to view the larger elephant seal colony that is further southwest Drakes! Or injure people when teased or expecting food Lighthouse and Chimney Rock or food! Beach ( including the non-paved areas south of the marine mammals on a way allow! Males, and 45 pups are there right now with wild marine mammals inappropriate food, non-food,! And pup, a bull elephant seal colony that is further southwest along Drakes Beach during the government! Near Chimney Rock be viewed from the elephant seal updates to learn more about the use of and... But one remained off limits, thanks to some large, lonely looking! Meters ) from elephant seals are operating have taken over a Beach in California was. Drakes Beach down to the Beach cows, or contaminated food jeopardizes their health food... Thursday, December 31, and will continue until March 31 by year-round! To learn the latest news in both directions for Beach walking at 415-464-5100 x3... In Point Reyes National Seashore issued to those who disregard the closures issued to those who disregard the.... Wariness of humans or boats and become conditioned to receiving handouts and associate people with.... When seeking food, and will continue until March 31 among the vegetation surrounding the trail and Overlook group! Extends into early summer when the adult males will also depart willingness to forage for on! At all the Overlook, can number over 600 animals by early February can see the seals on the date!