California
Zalophus californianus  Sherry Ballard, California Academy of Sciences | |
| Type of Animal: | Mammals |
|---|---|
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Otariidae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Coasts |
| Description: | California sea lions are what most people think of when they hear the word "seal." This species is commonly seen at zoos, marine parks, and circuses. These amazing sea lions can swim faster than any other sea mammal (up to 25 miles per hour), dive to depths of 450 feet, stay under water for up to 20 minutes, and balance and toss objects with its nose! California sea lions feed on a variety of fishes and occasionally may eat some shellfish. The breeding season occurs from May to July in breeding colonies, called rookeries, along the west coast. During the non-breeding season, males tend to swim north towards Canada and Alaska, while the females stay near the rookeries with their pups. The males arrive at the rookery and begin establishing a territory, which they will defend against other males. Unlike male stellar sea lions, male California sea lions do not maintain a "harem." In May or June, females give birth to a single pup conceived the previous year. Three to four weeks later the females mate again. They care for the pups for up to one year. Occasionally a mother may care for her young for two years, but this usually only happens when conditions are poor. The main predators of California sea lions are killer whales and various species of sharks. Humans used to be a major threat to these animals, when they were killed for their meat and for the oil that their bodies produce. They are currently protected in both the United States and Canada, but some of the everyday activities of humans still result in the deaths of many sea lions. They often get entrapped in netting that is intended to catch other prey. They also get caught in various types of pollution. For example, pieces of plastic often get wrapped around their necks when they are young and as the animals grow the plastic eventually causes deep wounds and suffocates them. |
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| References: | Jameson et al. 1988. California Mammals. Wilson et al. (editors). 1999. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. Whitaker (editor). 1998. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals, Revised Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1990. California’s Wildlife, Volume III, Mammals. |
| Other Sites: | |
| Field Office(s): | Bakersfield |