The Steller sea lion, the largest member of the sea lion family, inhabits the cold waters of the North Pacific. These robust marine mammals are known for their thick, golden-brown fur and loud, roaring vocalizations. They spend much of their time in the water hunting for fish, squid, and octopus, but also rest on rocky shores and islands in large colonies.
Steller sea lions are exceptional swimmers, capable of diving to depths of over 400 meters in search of food. They play a critical role in marine ecosystems by keeping fish populations in check. However, their dependence on specific prey species makes them vulnerable to changes in fish availability caused by overfishing and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining healthy populations of this magnificent marine mammal.