Females
Starting at birth, females are smaller than their male counterparts, and by the time both sexes are fully grown, the male is much bigger than the female.
The female reaches physical maturity around six years of age, growing up to twelve feet in length, and weighing in at around 1500+ pounds.
Young Female
( Click any photo to enlarge )
Size isn't everything though. Females can live up to twenty or so years, while males only live for about fourteen years.
By being sexually mature between the ages of three and four, females reach sexual maturity much earlier than males and usually give birth to their first pup in their fourth year.
Mom and Pup
How do you tell a female apart from an adolescent male ?
They can be approximately the same size and color, but, if you can get a look at their bellies, you will notice the difference. The female has two nipples just below her belly button whereas the male has another 'hole' below his belly button. This is where his penis lies hidden.
There are a few other differences that might help tell them apart.
1. A female's fore-flippers are smaller and have a slightly different shape.
2. A female's face is often pointier - reminiscent of a polar bear, lioness, or chimp.
3. A female's eyes are often more almond-shaped.
4. A female's eyes often have an anxious look to them.
5. A female's vocalizations are, for the most part, higher pitched.
Females are very protective of their personal space and won't hesitate to physically inform the intruder of his/her incursion whether it be a pup, a weaner, another female, or even a fully grown adult male.
Two Females Bickering
A female is quick to raise her front torso, bend over backwards, bellow and/or snap at an intruder...even if it's a small pup. If that doesn't have any effect, she'll lunge toward the intruder in a physically threatening manner, which usually results in the encroacher backing away. Unlike the males, most females won't chase after the intruders once they've removed themselves from her personal space.
Female Lunging
A female threatened from behind will arch her back and literally bend over backwards bellowing at the elephant seal that has encroached into her comfort zone.
