The barking, charismatic pinnipeds you'll see basking on docks and jetties along the West Coast. Highly intelligent — they're the species famously trained for navy and aquarium work.

Also called: California Sea Lion, Sea Lion

Native status: Native to Pacific coast of North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 1.8–2.4 m (6–8 ft); shoulder height 0.6 m
WeightMales 200–390 kg (440–860 lb); females 50–100 kg
LifespanWild 20–30 years
OrderCarnivora
FamilyOtariidae

§ Encyclopedia

The california sea lion is a coastal eared seal native to western North America. It is one of six species of sea lions. Its natural habitat ranges from southeast Alaska to central Mexico, including the Gulf of California. California sea lions are sexually dimorphic; males are larger than females, and have a thicker neck, and a protruding sagittal crest. They mainly haul out on sandy or rocky beaches, but they also frequent manmade environments such as marinas and wharves. California sea lions feed on a number of species of fish and squid, and are preyed on by orcas and great white sharks.

Source: Wikipedia — California sea lion Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tan-brown sea lion with paler face (males) or uniformly dark (females). Adult males have manes.

Similar species. Steller Sea Lion (much larger, lighter color). Harbor Seal (no external ears, no flippers visible at rest).

Voice. Distinctive barking calls; loud roar from males.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Squid, fish, octopuses, occasionally penguins.

Behavior. Highly social. Forms large rookeries on rocky coastal islands. Males are territorial breeders.

§ Range

Pacific coast from British Columbia to central Mexico

§ Habitat

Coastal waters, beaches, harbors, rocky islands

§ Threats

Domoic acid poisoning from harmful algal blooms, fishing-net entanglement, illegal shooting, climate-driven prey shifts.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the california sea lion is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Reduce fertilizer runoff that fuels algal blooms. Properly dispose of fishing line. Maintain 100-yard distance from haul-outs.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • Marine Mammal Commission
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2016