Facts
- Carnivore (prey includes anchovies, squids, sardines, mackerel, rock fish)
- Habitat is shallow ocean water, rocks, and beaches
- Males are a chocolate brown color; females are a blonde color
- Face resembles a dog
- Have external ear flaps
- Adult males on average weigh up to 860 lbs., 7 ft. long
- Adult females on average weigh up to 240 lbs., 6 ft. long
- Southern California breeding occurs mainly on Channel Islands in June
- Adult females give birth to one pup in late June
- Pups usually weaned six months-one year
- Males migrate to the Pacific Northwest after breeding; females stay around rookeries year-round
- Female distribution/range is from Baja, California to Northern California
- Communicate with noisy, honking barks
- Sharks are the sea lion's natural predator in Southern California
People and California Sea Lions
- Frequent Visitor To Marinas And Docks-Colonies Of Sea Lions Have Been Known To Sink Boats And Small Docks
- Sea Lions Often Approach Commercial Fishing Vessels, Following Their Prey That Has Been Caught In Fishing Lines And Nets; This Can Lead To Hook And Fishing Line Entanglement Injuries
- Sea Lions Are Common Victims Of Gun Shot Wounds And Blunt Trauma
How to Coexist
- Law mandates that people stay 100 feet away from a sea lion (whether on the beach or in the water)
- If you see a sea lion on the beach, do not pour water on the animal or try to return it to the ocean, as they may be resting or warming up
- If a Sea Lion appears sick or injured, contact the CWC Marine Mammal Rescue team to evaluate the health of the animal.
