Hunt History

There is little direct evidence of pre-contact indigenous hunting of Southern Elephant Seals, due to their remote sub-Antarctic range. However, early humans on the southernmost parts of South America may have opportunistically scavenged or hunted smaller seals.

Industrial exploitation began in the late 1700s, especially around South Georgia, Macquarie Island, and Kerguelen. Sealers harvested the animals for oil from their thick blubber, a resource crucial for lighting and lubrication before petroleum.

Earliest Archaeological or Historical Evidence of Human Use:

Fuegian sites, Tierra del Fuego (southern South America): Late Holocene shell middens contain elephant seal bones, suggesting opportunistic hunting or scavenging.

Macquarie Island (early 1800s): First recorded mass exploitation by sealers; tens of thousands of elephant seals killed annually.

South Georgia (late 18th century): Base for British and American sealing operations.