California sea lion is a large sea lion that lives along the Pacific Coast of North America. Like other sea lions, it is an ocean mammal with four flippers. Sea lions are pinnipeds, a group of animals that also includes seals and the walrus. The California sea lion lives from Alaska to central Mexico.
The flippers and sleek body of the California sea lion make the animal a strong swimmer. The sea lion also can move about somewhat awkwardly on land. Short, thick fur covers its body. This fur is tan to dark brown in color. Males are usually darker than females. Mature males also have a bony crest on the head. Males reach about 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) long and weigh about 775 pounds (350 kilograms). Females reach about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and weigh up to 300 pounds (140 kilograms).
The California sea lion feeds mainly on fish and squid. Younger sea lions are eaten by killer whales and sharks.
California sea lions gather in large groups during the breeding season, which lasts from May to August. During this time, mature males compete for territories on the shore and in nearby water. A mature male typically mates with 5 to 15 females, a group known as a harem. A female usually gives birth to a single pup that she nurses for about one year. In the wild, the female may live for up to about 25 years. The male California sea lion may live for up to about 20 years.
The number of California sea lions fell dramatically in the 1800’s and early 1900’s because of intense hunting. Their numbers have recovered since the mid-1900’s, when people passed laws to protect them. However, some California sea lions are still killed by fishing nets and environmental pollution.
