Steller Sea Lions
Eumetopias jubatus • Giants of the Pacific
These massive pinnipeds are the largest species of sea lion and are frequently seen hauled out on rocky islets or foraging in the strong currents around Telegraph Cove. Their impressive size and distinctive roars make them unmistakable residents of the Pacific Northwest waters.
Size & Sexual Dimorphism
Steller sea lions exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. Males (bulls) can weigh over 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) and reach lengths of 3-3.5 meters, making them nearly three times heavier than females.
Adult males develop thick, muscular necks and a pronounced sagittal crest on their skulls, giving them a distinctive lion-like appearance with a mane of coarse hair.
Females are considerably smaller, typically weighing 240-350 kg and measuring 2.1-2.9 meters in length. Despite their smaller size, females are agile swimmers and skilled hunters.
Vocalization
Steller Sea Lions are very vocal animals, known for their loud, deep roars that can be heard over a kilometer away. These roars are distinct from the barking sounds made by California Sea Lions.
Males use roaring to establish territory, especially during breeding season. The deeper and louder the roar, the more dominant the male typically is.
Females and pups have their own unique calls that help them recognize each other in crowded colonies. A mother can identify her pup's call among hundreds of others.
Social Behavior
Colonies and Rafting
Steller sea lions are highly social, gathering in large groups called colonies on land and "rafts' in the water. Rafts can contain dozens to hundreds of individuals floating together.
They haul out on rocky shores, beaches, marina docks, and man-made structures like jetties and navigational buoys. Hauling out helps them rest, thermoregulate, and socialize.
Breeding Behavior
During breeding season (May-August), dominant males establish territories on rookeries and gather harems of 10-30 females. Males fast during this period, living off their blubber reserves.
Non-breeding individuals and juveniles form separate groups away from rookeries, often using year-round haul-out sites throughout their range.
Diet & Hunting
Steller sea lions are opportunistic predators with a diverse diet that includes over 50 species of fish and invertebrates. Common prey includes herring, pollock, rockfish, salmon, squid, and octopus.
They are excellent divers, typically foraging at depths of less than 250 meters, though they can dive to 400 meters. Most dives last 2-3 minutes, but they can hold their breath for up to 16 minutes.
They often forage in areas with strong currents and upwellings where prey is concentrated. Some individuals have learned to follow fishing vessels to feed on discarded bycatch or fish escaping from nets.
Physical Adaptations
External ear flaps distinguish them from true seals (like harbor seals)
Can rotate their rear flippers forward to walk on all fours on land
Large front flippers act as powerful propellers for swimming
Thick blubber layer provides insulation in cold waters
Streamlined body shape reduces drag when swimming
Sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) help detect prey in murky water
Fascinating Facts
Named after naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller who first described them in 1741.
Can swim at speeds up to 27 km/h and travel hundreds of kilometers to forage.
Females can live up to 30 years, while males typically live 18-20 years.
Pups are born at about 1 meter long and 18-22 kg after a gestation of one year.
They can see well both above and below water, with special adaptations for each.
Their scientific name means “broad forehead“ in Greek, referring to their high foreheads.
Conservation Status
The western population of Steller sea lions (found in Alaska) is listed as endangered, having declined by over 80% since the 1970s. The eastern population (including British Columbia) has recovered and was delisted from the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2013.
Current threats include entanglement in fishing gear, illegal shooting, boat strikes, pollution, and climate change effects on prey availability. Disease and predation by killer whales also impact populations.
Protected areas like the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve provide important habitat, and regulations require vessels to maintain distance from haul-out sites and rookeries.
Best Viewing Times
Year-round
Commonly seen on rocky haul-outs and in areas with strong currents. Numbers increase in winter when northern animals move south. Listen for their distinctive roars!