Birth of an Elephant seal

The northern elephant seal named Elsie Mae, who has been known by Deception Pass State Park officials for a few years, gave birth to a pup on Jan. 31. Officials closed the Bowman Bay area to protect the pup from human and pet interference, and to protect humans and pets from a protective mother. Elsie has been used to humans; staff are making an effort to not have the new born imprinted in the same way.

Helpful volunteers are on sight to answer many questions. You might find a bird watcher with a scope and you can see the seal faces up close. Mother and baby seemed to talk to each other with l...