California Sea Lion

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CALIFORNIA SEA LION

The California sea lion lives in colonies on isolated beaches and rocky coastlines. Active by day and night, it feeds in the ocean and hauls out at intervals to rest on shore. The sea lion is active by nature and more agile both on land and in water than its relative the seal.

HABITS

The sea lion is sociable and lives in colonies which may number in the thousands, especially during the mating season. The sea lion divides its time between resting on shore and hunting for food in the ocean. Despite its heavy, awkward looking body, the sea lion can move quickly on land with the use of its flippers.

BREEDING

Sea lions breed from may to August. the breeding grounds, called rookeries, are situated on beaches and offshore islets. Soon after the young are born, mature bulls compete to establish territories. They use threatening gestures and fight only as a last resort.

A harem of females and young is established by each mature male. During mating, the bull has no time to feed and must survive on his reserve of blubber. About 3 weeks after her pup is born, the sea lion cow is ready to mate again. But she continues to suckle her young for about 6 months.

FOOD & HUNTING

The California sea lion has a remarkably big appetite. An averages size animal must consume about 14 percent of its body weight in food every day. The sea lion hunts by chasing its prey through the water or diving down to the ocean bottom and searching among the rocks with its muzzle. It feeds mainly on octopus, squid, and fish. Sea Lions have excellent underwater vision and hunt their prey mostly by sight. The well-developed muscles on its muzzle may also help it to locate prey by picking up vibrations in the water.

SEA LION & MAN

In the early nineteenth century, large numbers of sea lions were killed on the coasts of California. The blubber of the dead animals was used as a source of oil, and the skins were used for making glue. Today California sea lions are regarded for their intelligence and are well known for the playful behavior they display in captivity. Sea lions are popular attractions in zoos, circuses, and marine parks.

KEY FACTS

	Size
	Length: Males, 7 ft. Females, 6 ft.
	Weight: Males, 600 lb.


	Breeding
	Sexual maturity: Males, 5-7 years, Females, 4-5 years
	Mating: May-June in California. October-December in the Galapagos.
	Gestation: 11 months.
	Litter Size: One young.


	Lifestyle
	Habit: Sociable in large colonies.
	Diet: Octopus, squid, and fish.
	Lifespan: 10-15 years. Up to 20 in captivity.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sea lions are known as eared seals because unlike true seals who only have ear openings sea lions have small external ears.
A California sea lion can swim at a speed of up to 25 miles per hour. This is faster than any other species of sea lion, seal or walrus.
The male seal lion's territory extends into the water, as well as on land. When defending his underwater territory, he will bark, sending up chains of air bubbles as a warning to rival males.

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