General: Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus), or Northern Sea Lions, are large eared seals of the North Pacific. Members of the Family Otariidae, the Eared Seals, are distinguished by their external (but small) ear pinnae, and their hind flippers that can be turned forward, which is helpful for walking on land. The Earless Seals (Family Phocidae), such as harbor seals, lack both of these features.

Steller Sea Lion males are much larger than females. Females grow to about 8-ft long and weigh up to 600 pounds. Males grow to 11-ft long and weight up to 2,500 pounds. The color is yellowish to brown; males are darker. The forehead is low (compare with California Sea Lions), and males get a bit of a mane. Juveniles are very dark.

Taxonomy: Order Carnivora: Carnivores; Family Otariidae, Eared Seals

Breeding: Adult males set up territories on traditional breeding sites in May, then females arrive and move about the male territories. Females give birth, then mate soon after. When females and young leave the rookery in the fall, the males give up their territories and return to the sea. Males may not leave the rookery or feed during summer.

Diet: fish and squid

Range: North Pacific. Range far out to sea, but generally found near rocky coastlines.

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