17 images Created 15 Nov 2014
Seals and Sea Lions
When I was out on the sea I often encountered harbour seals or Steller sea lions. They are markedly different in their characteristics; harbour seals are very shy and would usually pop their heads up furtively behind my kayak, but Steller sea lions were always inquisitive, if not a little wary, and would always investigate me as close as they would dare, and often race alongside me. The sea lions never failed to entertain with their loud, boisterous and sometimes playful behaviour. Seal haul outs are usually comatose places compared with the lively circuses that are sea lion haul outs. Getting close to the sea lions was always much easier than the seals because of all the commotion and pandemonium, especially when the big bulls were sparring. The average adult male Steller sea lion is about 1,250 lb (560kg), but can double that weight and reach a length of 10 ft. The females are from 7.5 ft – 9.5 ft ( 2.30m- 2.90m) in length and can weigh up to 770 lb (350kg). They are opportunistic feeders and eat a wide range of fish, and need to eat about 5-6% of their body weight a day. When the males are defending their territories they may go without eating for over a month. They are divided into a Western and Eastern population in Alaska. There have been drastic declines in numbers, especially in the west, but it now appears that their numbers have stabilised, and showing small increases.
The average weight for harbour seals in Alaska is about 180 lbs (82kg), with males weighing up to 285 lbs(129kg). They can reach 5-6 ft (1.7-1.9m) in length. Like the sea lions they are opportunistic feeders and take advantage of seasonally available prey. They are able to dive up to depths of 1640 ft (500m) and can remain submerged for over 20 mins. Like the sea lions they are as graceful in the water as they are ungainly on land. Their numbers have also fluctuated in different parts of Alaska. As with the sea lions the reasons are unknown but multiple factors are likely involved.
The average weight for harbour seals in Alaska is about 180 lbs (82kg), with males weighing up to 285 lbs(129kg). They can reach 5-6 ft (1.7-1.9m) in length. Like the sea lions they are opportunistic feeders and take advantage of seasonally available prey. They are able to dive up to depths of 1640 ft (500m) and can remain submerged for over 20 mins. Like the sea lions they are as graceful in the water as they are ungainly on land. Their numbers have also fluctuated in different parts of Alaska. As with the sea lions the reasons are unknown but multiple factors are likely involved.
