Sea Lions are found in every ocean except for the Atlantic. Steller (Northern) Sea Lions are found from Alaska to central California, while California Sea Lions are found from Vancouver Island to Mexico.
Sea Lions are large sea mammals with flippers to help them move. They have short, coarse brown fur, dog-like faces, and small ear flaps. They have a very loud bark. Steller Sea Lions are larger and heavier (9-11 ft long, 1000-2500 lbs) than California Sea Lions (6-8 ft long, 220-660 lbs).
Sea Lions use their flippers to walk, climb, and swim. They can often be seen in harbor areas and gather on offshore islands to breed. Sea Lions are very social and often rest closely packed together.
Sea Lions give birth to one pup a year between May and July. The pups are nursed by their mothers for 6-12 months.
Could it be? Harbor Seals are smaller, have shorter flippers, and no ear flaps. They are unable to support themselves on their flippers and inch forward on their bellies.
Did you know? Sea Lions are very playful and have been known to "surf" breaking waves.
See Also: Barnacle, Blue Mussel, Clam, Crab, Harbor Seal, River Otter, Sand Dollar, Sea Anemone, Sea Jelly, Sea Otter, Sea Star, Sea Urchin
