The Northern elephant seal is a large marine mammal found along the Pacific coast of North America. Males can weigh up to 4,500 pounds, while females are smaller, averaging around 1,500 pounds. They are known for their distinctive large noses, especially the males, which resemble an elephant's trunk. These seals spend most of their lives in the ocean, coming ashore primarily for breeding and molting. They are excellent divers, capable of reaching depths of over 5,000 feet in search of food, primarily fish and squid. The population of Northern elephant seals has rebounded significantly since the 20th century due to conservation efforts.