During my walk today I checked on the harbor seals that regularly line the west beach at Hopkins Marine Station (Pacific Grove, CA). The pregnant females looked like overstuffed sausages ready to burst. When harbor seals start giving birth we know it’s spring, and from the looks of them today, spring should arrive soon. Each female has a single pup and nurses it for only about 4 to 6 weeks. Then the youngsters must fend for themselves.

I’ll let you know when the moms start popping out pups. But remember, don’t disturb or approach adults or pups on any beach. For more about harbor seals, visit my bestiary or the Hopkins’ site with information about marine mammals on the beach.