California Sea Lion

Common Name: California Sea Lion

Scientific Name: Zalophus californianus

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family: Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Carnivora, Otariidae

Diet: Carnivorous, fish, squid

Habitat: Along coastlines, man-made platforms

Range: British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico

Identification: Brown/tan coarse fur, midsize, eared seal, males larger than females, males have enlarged crest on head, long and narrow dog-like snout

Reproduction: Polygynous (one male with several female mates), 1-2 offspring per female per season (born in June), breeding occurs on the shore, occurs between May - August

Behavior: Seasonal migration, swim 15-20 MPH, can echolocate to find food, males establish breeding territories along beach, highly social

Predators: Sharks, Killer Whales