Sea Lion: 9 Facts About

A sea lion suns himself on rocky cliffs.

       A sea lion, the name given to a large group of eared seals, which, though closely related to the fur seals, were not trapped as often for skinning.

9 Facts About Sea Lions:

1. All have long, cylindrical bodies, small, round heads, pointed noses, thick skin, with an under layer of fat for protection against cold, and coarse hair.
2. The individuals of some species have manes.
3. The largest animals, belonging to the Steller group, attain a weight of a thousand pounds and more, and a length of fourteen feet.
4. Their particular habitat is the North Pacific.
5. The natives of the Aleutian Islands caught thousands of these seals once. They used the flesh for food, the hide for shoes and boats and the sinews for thread.
6. Another group, called California sea lions, is made up of smaller animals.
7. Sea lions are seen in large numbers on the Pacific coast cliffs.
8. They are peaceable creatures, but if attacked defend themselves fiercely.
9. They are protected by law, but a few are allowed to be taken for menageries and zoological gardens. 

More About Sea Lions From the Web:

• California Sea Lion: Protected by NOAA Fisheries
• Sea Lions Are Endangered
• Baby Sea Lions Sick and Starving To Death