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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Squid
- Anchovy
- Salmon
Predators
- Great white shark
- Orca
ThreatsEntanglement in fishing gear, ocean pollution, toxic algal blooms, and climate change affecting prey availability
HabitatsRocky shorelines, sandy beaches, kelp forests, open ocean, and manmade structures like docks and jetties
Life span20 to 30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOtariidae
- SpeciesZalophus californianus
N. Pacific
Marine distribution — the ocean basins and seas where the species occurs.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Can deliver a powerful bite if cornered or approached; maintain a distance of at least 50 yards.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with powerful jaws and sharp teeth, they can charge surprisingly fast on land if they feel threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a sleek, dark brown body, external ear flaps, and large front flippers used for walking.
- What to do
- Never block their path to the water, feed them, or approach them on docks or beaches.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Frequent Companion Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Wikimedia Commons / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative (c) Casey Klebba, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Carina Gsottbauer / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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