35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Carnivora; Family: Phocidae; Genus: Mirounga; Genus species: Mirounga angustirostris. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 1.8-4.8 m; Weight: 900-2300 kg; Identification: The Northern elephant seal is tan to gray in color. Some unusual characteristics include no external ears, no spots on their body, and their hind flippers cannot curl forward. Males have a large snout; Habitat: Warm waters; Diet: Carnivore: squid, fish, sharks, rays; Reproduction: Pups are born in late December. A day or two later, the female will mate with a dominant male. The gestation period is 350 days long; Social Structure: While at sea, elephant seals are solitary. While on the beach, small harems are formed; Behavior: A male's large snout is used for territorial defense during the breeding season. He will make a loud snort to challenge any other males in the area; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Predators of these large seals include large sharks and killer whales.