STELLER SEA-LION 



The Steller sea-lion, also known as the northern sea-lion, is the 

 largest of all eared seals. Because of its massive size and "belligerent" 

 nature, it is seldom seen in zoos and is never trained. It is well known 

 to fishermen through its habit of robbing fish from nets, traps, and lines, 

 and because it gathers near estuaries to feed during salmon and herring 

 runs. It is named for Georg Wilhelm Steller, the naturalist who accom- 

 panied the discovery expedition to Alaska in 1741. In years past their 

 hides were used by Aleuts for boat coverings and blubber oil and leather 

 were commercially utilized. No present day use is made of this sea- 

 lion. 



Description 



An adult male weighed 2, 069 pounds and measured 10 feet 4 inches 

 long; an adult female 605 pounds and 7 feet 7 inches. At birth the pup 

 weighs from 35 to 52 pounds, measures from 37 to 43 inches and is a 

 rich chocolate brown. Within a few months it takes on the buff or yellow- 

 ish tan coat of the adult. The large size, light color, and heavy muzzle 

 and head are the best diagnostic features of the adult. The young of less 

 than a year might be confused with the fur seal and California sea-lion. 



The adult voice is a prolonged, deep-throated, bellowing roar; the 

 male's somewhat lower than the female's. Both make, in addition, cough- 

 ing and grunting sounds. The pup utters a feeble, prolonged grunt. 



Range 



The Steller sea-lion ranges from the islands of southern California 

 northward along the coast into the Bering Sea. It is usually found along 

 the open sea coast, rarely in bays. The population is roughly estimated 

 at: California 3, 000; Oregon 1, 000; Washington 500; British Columbia 

 10, 000; Alaska 40, 000; total about 60, 000. 



Breeding habits 



The Steller sea-lion breeds throughout most of its range. 



During 



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