News Release

Partial Closure of Drakes Beach for Elephant Seal Molting Season Begins on April 29, 2022

Hundreds of elephant seals are hauled out along the southwestern end of Drakes Beach.

News Release Date: April 29, 2022

Contact: Christine Beekman, 415-464-5135

A portion of Drakes Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore is closed for elephant seal molting season from Friday, April 29, 2022, until further notice. The temporary closure starts 0.5 mile southwest of the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center and extends all the way down the beach. This area is located to the right side of the beach when facing the water, and is indicated with signs.

Each spring, juvenile and adult female seals come ashore to molt or shed their old layer of fur and skin. They typically stay out of the water until a new layer is grown. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of elephant seals at Drakes Beach during breeding and mating season, and now during molting season. Currently, there are an estimated 900 molting seals in the temporary closure area.

Elephant seals are wild animals, and their behavior is unpredictable if approached. During the molt, it is best for seals to stay dry onshore until growth of new fur and skin is complete. A disturbed seal could retreat into the water and disrupt this process.

One of the best places to see elephant seals in the park is Elephant Seal Overlook at Chimney Rock. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/pore and follow Point Reyes National Seashore on social media.

www.nps.gov

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