How to cuddle with an elephant seal

[DenGar]

Making the rounds--soon to become viral if it isn't already:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obYweW86 ... r_embedded

Meeting nature with gentleness--the trust is amazing.

[HansV]

It's certainly cute (if you can apply the word "cute" to an elephant seal), but I'm not sure this would always be safe. Seals can be pretty aggressive if frightened. "Don't try this at home, kids!"

[Skitterbug]

Making the rounds--soon to become viral if it isn't already:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obYweW86 ... r_embedded

Meeting nature with gentleness--the trust is amazing.

I can't imagine being underneath this baby! This one looks like he would weigh quit a bit! Thanks for the pointer to view the video. It is interesting to see in action even though I agree with Hans, it could be dangerous to one's health!

[Charlotte]

Looked to me like a very young seal, so it might have needed a hug and didn't have a mom available. Seals have jaws like bears (they fill much the same niche in their environment) and they are NOT safe to cuddle. Seal watching like that requires the human to let the seal make the moves, which this lady did, but however charming the youngster, I would be looking around worriedly for his parents.

[Hey Jude]

Seal watching like that requires the human to let the seal make the moves, which this lady did, but however charming the youngster, I would be looking around worriedly for his parents.

Me too

[johbot]

I wouldn't want to cuddle one. The smell of mine is still in my nostrils (and my tent) from last year! (Some of you may remember I posted this photo from my New Zealand holiday in Feb 09)

[Charlotte]

I wouldn't want to cuddle one. The smell of mine is still in my nostrils (and my tent) from last year! (Some of you may remember I posted this photo from my New Zealand holiday in Feb 09)

Maybe the youngsters smell better? Or maybe sitting on a beach with them for a while numbs your olfactory nerves.