February

Birthing peaks in January and continues into February. Mating peaks in mid-February. There may be fights as males try to improve their standing. As their mothers leave the beach to finally break their fast, the weaned pups gather in “pods” near the bluffs, avoiding the remaining mothers jealously guarding their space, and the activity of the bulls. As the weaned pups shed their black birth hair, new hair grows from their dark skin, giving them a silvery appearance.

Mom, you’re not leaving me are you??

Notice how much larger the weanling is! For every pound the weanling gained, mom lost two.