Sea Lion - Sierra Club BC
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Sea Lion

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Sea Lion

Pinniped 

Appearance

There are two species of sea lion found along the coasts of British Columbia. The California Sea Lion and the Steller Sea Lion. These sea lions can grow up to 3 meters long, and can primarily be differentiated by color. Steller Sea Lions are a lighter tan color, and California Sea Lions are dark brown.  

Range & Habitat

These sea lions can be found along the coast of British Columbia all year long. The California Sea Lion is more commonly seen in the summer months. Steller Sea Lions’ range extends to the northernmost tip of Japan and across the south of Alaska. California Sea Lions’ range extends southbound to Mexico.  

Reciprocal Relationships

Sea Lions are highly social animals and can often be seen in large groups together. Groups found along rocky outcrops or shores are known as “rafts”. These sea-carnivores primarily feed on different forms of fish, like cod, herring, or eulachon. Sea lions are also an important food source for Orca whales.

These animals are gifted with great communication skills. Sea lions can roar, bark, or even make sounds resembling honks. Each of these has different purposes, whether it be warning off predators, trying to find a potential mate, or for a pup to find its mother. Since sea lions are often in groups, it can be hard for scientists to distinguish the different calls. 
 
The Steller Sea Lion population across BC was continually decreasing from the 1970s, but due to intervention in the 1990s, these populations have increased! They are nowhere near their original populations, and this is likely due to the reduced availability of prey from overfishing or environmental factors. 

Status

Steller Sea Lion 
COSEWIC: Special Concern 
CDC: Blue 

California Sea Lion 
COSEWIC: Not at Risk 
CDC: Yellow 

More information

If you belong to a First Nation with a story or piece of information not represented here and you would like to share more about this species, please email us at education@sierraclub.bc.ca

photo credit

Mya Van Woudenberg

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