Steller sea lions at Tillamook Rock

A raft of steller sea lions swim past Tillamook Rock on the northern Oregon Coast, July 16, 2019. USFWS video: Brent Lawrence

 

While at sea, steller sea lions can be seen alone or in big groups like this, called rafts, usually when there is an abundance of prey around.

 

The large marine mammals can weigh as much as 2,500 pounds and stretch up to 11 feet long. They eat over a hundred different species of fish, and will also consume squid and octopus.

 

Steller sea lions mainly live in the northern Pacific Ocean, with suitable habitat stretching to northern Japan and to central California on the West Coast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

 

In addition to aquatic habitat needs, steller sea lions also require undisturbed land habitat to socialize, mate and give birth to pups during breeding season.

 

Breeding season on the Oregon Coast is in June and July. When at rest, steller sea lions are known to pile on top of each other.

 

Tillamook Rock, and all of the other offshore rocks stretching south to the California border, are protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

 

More on steller sea lions, via NOAA: go.usa.gov/xtwuz

More USFWS video: ow.ly/MWOS50HOqYv

 

More from Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuges:

- Learn about and visit Oregon Islands Refuge: go.usa.gov/xe2D3

- Ongoing recovery of western snowy plover: ow.ly/5l1S50HLQiQ

- Rare sea otter sighting on the Oregon Coast: ow.ly/8teN50H02IM

- Sunset time lapse from Coquille Point: ow.ly/e0Es50GRpof

- Drones disturbing nesting seabirds: ow.ly/5gAv50GRpgo

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