September – November
Before all the big males have left, the fall haul-out begins. Juveniles of both sexes return from their post-molt migration. They have been at sea since their molt in the spring. As youngsters, they come ashore in the fall, but as they grow into adults, they will make their return in the winter birthing and breeding season. Some weanlings are no larger than they were when they left, but they have survived!
After six solitary months at sea the seals are social again. Once again, they feel gravity without the buoyancy of the water. Their bones and land muscles will strengthen because of the stresses of life ashore. As this season progresses, we will see males that are clearly post-pubescent, with developing noses and chest shields. Some may stay long enough to observe the older males arrive for the birthing and breeding season. Some may even test themselves against the older males. The elephant seal year begins anew with the arrival of the first adult males late in November.
