Stellar Sea Lion
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They are the largest members of the family Otariidae (the eared seals). Males can grow over ten feet long and weigh well over a ton (2,000 pounds).
Calling them Northern sea lions helps identify them as the cold water sea lions. They prefer a habitat with cold ocean water and rocky beaches typical of many areas of the West Coast from Northern California to Alaska.
A dramatic population decline led to their being listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 1990.
© 2005 Patricia A Michaels