Know Before You Go
Steller Sea Lion | Haida Gwaii Wildlife Guide
This species is the largest of five species of sea lion and is the 4th largest pinniped in the world. British Columbia has a healthy population, estimated to be 25,000. Their population is increasing by approximately 5% per year, causing conflict with the commercial fishing industry.
Steller’s sea lions show remarkable sexual dimorphism, meaning that males of this species are much larger than the females. The length of the average male is just over 9 feet, while the length of the average female is only about 7.5 feet. In addition, males can weigh up to 2,500 pounds, and females can weigh 1,000 pounds. Males also have extremely thick muscular necks and a mane of coarse long hair.
Sea lion bulls are extremely aggressive and territorial. They arrive at the breeding grounds in May, which corresponds with the onset of mate selection. These large animals often fight for mates by throwing their huge bodies up against one another and biting. The strongest bull is the male with the largest harem.
British Columbia also harbors a population of California sea lions which can be distinguished by darker coloration and much smaller size.
Look for Sea Lions on These British Columbia Adventures
Haida Gwaii: Islands at the Edge of the World
Discover an archipelago of wonder off the coast of British Columbia—explore wild shorelines, ancient rainforest and 12,000 years of Haida culture on an intimate sailboat adventure in the marine wilderness.
Great Bear Rainforest: In Search of Spirit Bears, Grizzlies & Whales
Discover British Columbia at its wildest, in search of the elusive white Spirit Bear in the remote valleys of western Canada's Coast Range. Offshore, scout for humpback whales and orcas in emerald fjords.
