Elephant seal bulls are washing up at San Simeon Cove, Washburn beach and Moonstone Beach in Cambria. Unwary visitors may find that what appears to be driftwood is actually a live seal.

Once adult females depart, their male counterparts follow suit. In April, most pups leave the area to find food while juvenile elephant seals and adult females come to shore for two to three weeks ...

adding that most of the adult males and many of the most experienced and fertile females have not returned. Tracking and monitoring the virus among elephant seals is a collaborative effort.