Species · GBIF taxon 2433458
California Sea Lion
Zalophus californianusCalifornia sea lions are highly social, vocal marine mammals famous for their playful acrobatics and loud, repetitive barking. They gather in large, noisy colonies on rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and marina docks to rest and socialize. During the breeding season, mature males defend territories with aggressive posturing and deep vocalizations, while females nurse their single pups with fat-rich milk.
Marine MammalVocalSocial
- diet
- Carnivorous diet consisting of squid, octopus, herring, anchovies, salmon, and rockfish
- family
- Otariidae
- threats
- Entanglement in fishing gear, ocean pollution, toxic algal blooms, and climate change affecting prey availability
- life Span
- 20 to 30 years
LC
Can deliver a powerful bite if cornered or approached; maintain a distance of at least 50 yards.
Equipped with powerful jaws and sharp teeth, they can charge surprisingly fast on land if they feel threatened.
Never block their path to the water, feed them, or approach them on docks or beaches.- Keep your distance: Maintain at least 50 yards of space on beaches and docks to avoid stressing them.
- Listen for barks: Use their loud, honking barks to locate colonies from a distance without disturbing them.
- Watch for swimming: Observe their incredible agility in the water from piers or coastal overlooks.