California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus)

California Sea Lions can be seen in coastal waters of the North Pacific, Vancouver Island south to Mexico. They breed typically South of Oregon during May to June. California Sea Lions eat over 50 species of fish, squid, octopus, and mollusks. Males establish their territories and females are pregnant for 10 months and nurse for about 8 months. California sea lions are playful and intelligent, their behavior is rarely aggressive. A common behavior exhibited by sea lions is called “sailing”. This is when a sea lion holds their flippers above the water motionless for a long period of time; they are regulating their body temperature. A lot of times people believe the animal is trapped in a net, if you cannot see a buoy or net gear the animal is most likely exhibiting this behavior. California sea lions are becoming more abundant in Washington and Oregon State. With increased populations more reports of strandings occur.

To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal, please call: 1-800-853-1964