Steller Sea Lion
Eumetopias jubatusAlso known as Steller's Sea Lion, Northern Sea Lion
Steller sea lions are massive marine predators, with adult males growing up to eleven feet long and sporting a thick, lion-like mane of coarse hair around their muscular necks. They gather in noisy, crowded rookeries along rocky shorelines, where dominant bulls defend territories with deep, booming roars that carry over the crashing surf. These agile swimmers hunt cooperatively in cold subarctic waters, diving hundreds of feet deep to pursue schooling fish and squid.
- diet
- Carnivorous (fish, squid, octopus, and occasionally smaller seals)
- family
- Otariidae
- threats
- Commercial fishing conflicts, climate change, pollution, and killer whale predation
- life Span
- 20 to 30 years
NT
Massive size and territorial behavior make close approaches dangerous; maintain a distance of at least 100 yards.
Adults are exceptionally large and powerful, capable of charging quickly on land and delivering a severe, infectious bite.
Never block their path to the water, and immediately back away if they sit up, vocalize, or stare directly at you.The western population is federally listed as endangered due to mysterious, drastic declines since the late twentieth century.
Respect seasonal closures around critical rookeries and report any entangled or injured individuals to local marine mammal authorities.- Keep Your Distance: Stay at least 100 yards away on land or water to avoid disrupting their natural behaviors.
- Listen for Vocalizations: Listen for the deep, guttural roars of territorial males, which signal you are too close.
- Use Binoculars: Observe rookeries and haul-outs using binoculars or a spotting scope to prevent stampedes.