Elephant seal causes California traffic jam

The 500-pound seal was blocking traffic for a mile in both directions along Highway 37 as she repeatedly tried to cross it on Monday, reported KTRK.

The seal was first spotted trying to cross State Route 37 near Sonoma Raceway – south of Sonoma – on Monday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Marin Office.

CHP officers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service crews were able to divert the animal back into the water but it is “very committed to crossing” and “keeps trying to come out”, Barclay said. Barbie Halaska from the Marine Mammal Center told ABC 7 that the seal may be about to give birth, saying, “If she is about to give birth that means she is in her prime”. “We need the tide to buoy her, and make it more easy to direct her”.

“[Elephant seals] are naturally stubborn animals, she’s pregnant and she just didn’t want to leave”, says Sherr. The seal, which shut down a stretch of Highway 37 yesterday and allegedly attacked at least one auto, is once again this morning trying to cross the highway and causing headaches for the California Highway Patrol in the process. “We’re waiting to see if she comes back out onto the road”, Halaska said.

Barclay said he was the only CHP officer now on scene, but others would be summoned to assist if the seal tries to re-enter the highway.

Rulli said because of the possibility of pregnancy, wildlife officials are taking extra precautions with the seal and being “extra gentle”.

Giancarlo Rulli, a spokesman for the Marine Mammal Center, said its stranded marine mammal hotline started getting calls at 1 p.m. on Monday.

Officials are giving the elephant seal another 24 hours to desist in her efforts. PHOTOS: Elephant seal captured in Sonoma CountyShe’d been in the water throughout the morning and she didn’t seem like she’d stay put.