Marin County beach closed for elephant seal breeding season

Drakes Beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore is temporarily closed to accommodate elephant seals that have set up camp for the breeding season.

The annual ritual has brought at least 30 males to the shore in front of the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center as of Thursday, with more farther down the beach, said Earl Perez-Foust, a member of the park’s staff.

At least four pups have been born near the overlook area of the beach, Perez-Foust said. The first was spotted on Dec. 20.