noaasanctuaries: mypubliclands: Celebrate Wildlife Wednesday with Elephant Seals from California&rsq
noaasanctuaries: mypubliclands: Celebrate Wildlife Wednesday with Elephant Seals from California’s Piedras Blancas! The Piedras Blancas Light Station is a historic landmark on California’s central coast. Located on a rugged windswept point of land 6 miles north of Hearst Castle along California’s scenic Highway One, the Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1875, and today beckons the visitor a respite from the modern world. The Light Station is named for the distinctive white rocks that loom just offshore. These rocks, and the rugged shoreline, are home to seabirds, sea lions, and elephant seals. Over 70 native plant species can be found on the 19 acres surrounding the Light Station. The beaches stretching north and south from the Lighthouse have a large breeding colony of elephant seals. Photos and video footage by Bob Wick, BLM. Video created by John Ciccarelli, BLM. Bonus: the Piedras Blancas Light Station overlooks Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects the waters that these elephant seals depend on! Always give elephant seals plenty of space when you visit. They’re a lot bigger than you are, and it’s safer for everyone if you keep your distance. Stay at least 150 feet away – if an animal starts to stare, fidget, or flee, you’re too close. -- source link