Steller's
Sea Lions
 Much
larger than California sea lions, Northern (Steller's) sea lions
(Eumetopias jubatus) can reach a weight of 1000 kg (2200
pounds). They feed on rockfish, skates, halibut, salmon, squid and
octopuses.
Steller's sea
lions are easily distinguished from harbour seals by their size.
They also have external ear flaps, unlike seals, and fully rotatable
hind flippers which they can use to maneuver more easily on land.
This species
is named for Georg Wilhelm Steller, a German naturalist who, in
the 1740's, became the first European to write about many species
of North American flora and fauna, including the Northern sea lion,
now known as the Steller's sea lion. The Steller's Jay, Steller's
Eider and Steller's Sea Cow (extinct) are also named after him.
Steller's sea
lions are protected under both the U.S. and Canadian endangered
species acts, yet their numbers continue to decline, for unknown
reasons. On our trips, we occasionally see solo males or groups
of two or three males passing by, and, on our Spirit Bear Voyages
we may be lucky to see a haul-out site where 20 to 50 or more sea
lions will be found on the rocks.
|
)
)
