Explains that although elephant seal populations have surged from near extinction since the 1800s, UC Santa Cruz professors are concerned that in-breeding has caused low genetic diversity and left elephant seals vulnerable to threats like climate change and viruses. Includes brief history of elephant seal hunting in the 1800s, protection in the 1920s, and resurgence at Año Nuevo in the 1960s and 70s. Gives a brief summary of when seals arrive at Año Nuevo and narrates an example of males fighting for dominance over a female harem, giving vivid detail to their "challenge calls," charges, and bites after being driven off a ten foot dune. Includes quotes from a UC Santa Cruz student on her experience observing the seals for a class. Describes how people studying the seals give them names to keep track of individuals.