Sharks were not often successful in catching seals at Ano Nuevo. In most instances, the seal was able to elude the shark and return to the beach. During the first year of an elephant seal's life, they are more likely to die than to survive. Great White Sharks may play an important role in this mortality. Of the pups born in one year, those that return to the beach in the fall are much more likely to survive to adulthood.
Mortality decreases significantly after the first year.
Experience probably plays a significant role in survival. Naive pups when first entering the water in April are easier prey for sharks than those more wary yearlings who return in October. We believe seals are relatively safe from sharks when they are at sea, and they are, of course, safe on the land. It is the area near the island where they are in danger. For about fifteen minutes, as they enter the shallow water near shore, they are vulnerable to attack.