California Sea Lion
| Geographical Range | Pacific Coast of North America |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ocean waters, sandy or rocky coastlines |
| Scientific Name | Zalophus californianus californianus |
| Conservation Status | Common |
The playful, curious California sea lions are highly social animals. They live in groups or "harems," with an adult bull and 10-15 cows. During the summer-long breeding season, the animals collect by the thousands on isolated coastlines and islands. Females give birth to a single pup a year later. Sea lions spend much of their time in the ocean in search of herring, mackerel and squid. You can easily tell a sea lion from a seal by its external ear flaps, which seals do not have.
Did You Know?
A sea lion can fully rotate its hind flippers, allowing it to walk on land.