Habits
The sea lion is sociable and lives in colonies that 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. When entering the water, the sea lion dives in head-first often in a group of 20 to 30 animals. It seems to be able to gauge the depth of the water and dive accordingly. Underwater, the sea lion's ears and nostrils close, and it is capable of remaining in the water for many minutes before surfacing to breathe.
Food and Hunting
The California sea lion has a remarkably large appetite. An average-sized sea lion must consume about 14 percent of its body weight in food everyday. The sea lion hunts by chasing its prey through the water or diving down to the ocean's 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 and Man
In the early 19th century, large numbers of sea lions were killed along the coast 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 very popular attractions in zoos, circuses, and marine parks.
Size
Length: Males, 7 feet. Females, 6 feet.
Weight: Males, 600 lbs.
Distribution
West coats of North America, from British Columbia south to Baja California, and the Sea of Cortez. Seperate subspecies in the Galąpagos.
Lifestyle
Habit: Sociablein large colonies.
Call: Barks, roars, and yelps.
Lifespan: 10-15 years. Up to 20 in captivity.
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