ANIMALS, LAND AND MARINE 55 



Steller sea lions are the larg:est of any sea lions — the average estimated 

 weig:ht of an adult male is about 1,400 pounds, and they measure from 

 10 to 11 feet in length. 



The sounds made by the Steller species when on the rocks are much like 

 those made by a herd of cattle — possibly with a slightly lower tone. Some- 

 times they are deep-toned snoring sounds, as if the animals are growling 

 in unison. On still nights these sounds can be heard easily at the Warden's 

 House on the opposite side of the Reserve. 



"When disturbed, the herd will generally rush off into the water in con- 

 fusion, causing great commotion. After swimming about for awhile with 

 raised heads the sea lions return to the rocks, which they climb easily. 



Small groups of sea lions are often observed in Point Cove in the surf, 

 tumbling over one another, diving, and coming up with their heads to- 

 gether. Apparently these maneuvers are in the nature of play. 



Compact groups of sea lions are sometimes seen swimming at the surface 

 of the water. This animal swims with an undulating motion up and down, 

 coming partly out of the water on each upward curve. Sometimes an animal 

 comes up with such momentum that it emerges completely out of the water. 

 Occasionally a head of one will be projected above the water and at times 

 a front flipper will be extended upward into the air. Such compact groups 

 of sea lions are followed by many birds, mostly Heermann and Western 

 gulls. 



Sea lions will also hunt in packs like wolves. Both of these species live 

 on fish, squids, crabs, shellfish, and devilfish or octopus ; but the California 

 sea lion eats comparatively few fish, while a sea lion of the Steller species 

 finds fish the staple of its diet. 



Ground Squirrel 



Its large numbers and the many ways in which it affects its surroundings 

 make the ground squirrel one of the important mammals on Point Lobos 

 Reserve. The population probably runs as high as the area can well support 

 — a number somewhere near 2,000. The squirrels choose ground clothed 

 with vegetation that is low, or has scattered boulders and bushes to be 

 used as lookout posts, or any slope, especially toward the east, where the 

 soil is well-drained and where they can expose themselves to the sunshine. 



Squirrels, which attract many carnivores to the Reserve, take alarm 

 easily. Disturbed b}' a person, a squirrel may hurry off a short distance to 

 where it can turn and sit on its hind legs to stare at the disturber. Chased 

 by a dog, it may turn when it is safe to bark at the dog. Ground squirrels 

 can be seen in large numbers in open places, and frequently members of a 

 pair will chase each other in play while chattering rapidly. When fright- 

 ened they give a sharp bark of alarm. 



They keep the ground covered with burrows, which they dig with their 

 forefeet. Foliage and green herbaceous plants supply them with food. 



Gray Squirrel 



The gray squirrel is one of the conspicuous mammals in the Reserve, 

 partly because of its large size and unafraid disposition, partly because 

 it is active in the daytime through the whole year, and partly because of 

 the everpresent signs of its home and feeding habits. Estimates of total 

 numbers in this area vary upwards from one hundred, depending upon the 

 time of year. 



