A few months later, they return to the site to molt their old fur and grow new fur, a process that takes about a month. The cycle begins again in November. When viewing elephant seals or any marine mammal, it is important to stay at least 50 feet away from them. The seals fast when they come ashore for breeding and molting. Any disturbance wastes precious energy and could even affect their ability to survive.
Dogs are threats to elephant seals.
Keep them on leash, or preferably, in the car. Elephant seals carry diseases that can be picked up by dogs and people. Avoid walking barefoot on beaches where they occur. Both areas provide excellent opportunities for viewing the seals without disturbing their natural breeding cycle.