Seals: Zalophus californianus and Neophoca cinerea
Many species of seals are hunted for their leather, among them the harbor seal, which
lives in northern oceans. At least one species of seal is now extinct, the Caribbean Monk Seal, and the Hawaiian Monk Seal population is estimated to be less than 500. In 1911 an international treaty was adopted by the U.S., Great Britain, Russia, and Japan, establishing effective controls for the preservation of the species.
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Limited Edition signed color photography for sale by Stephen Brunson
Sea Lions have a long flexible necks, and small external ears. They have hind flippers that can be turned forward, enabling them to support the body, and use all four limbs for land travel. The sea lions are the larger of the eared seals, though the females are considerably smaller than the males. The seal frequently trained for exhibition in circuses and zoos, the California sea lion is well adapted to movement both on land and in the water. Sea Lions have never been known to harm scuba divers or snorkelers. They are very playful and social animals, with plenty of tricks and antics up their sleeve. For instance, one day when I was diving in La Jolla Cove, California, a sea lion came up behind me and was pulling on my fin as I was heading into shore. It was obvious to me that the sea lion wanted to play, so I went
to the bottom to take several photographs of the sea lion.
Seal Statistics:
Weight: 700 to 2,400 Lbs.
Length: Up to 12 Ft.
Sexual Maturity: 5 years
Mating Season: Late Spring To Early Summer (July)
Number of Young: One pup
Gestation Period: 11 Months
Typical Diet: Fish, Shellfish, Cephalopods, and other marine animals
Distribution: Along the Pacific Coast of the United States, Baja California, and the Sea of Cortez
Habit: Very playful and Sociable
Mating Grounds: The California sea lion, also known as the sea dog, lives in large colonies, mating on remote islands and
remote mainland beaches in North America.
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