Steller Sea Lion - South Marble Island

Steller sea lions are a rowdy resident of Glacier Bay's waters.

NPS Photo/C. Gabriele

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Information

Steller Sea Lion, Eumetopias jubatus ~ Like all members of the eared seal family Otariidae, Steller sea lions can support themselves on their flippers while ashore, and their rear flippers pivot, allowing them to get around with surprising speed. In the water they become fluid, executing a seemingly endless series of underwater flips, turns, and rolls. Mature males can weigh almost 2,000 pounds, though females average only 600 pounds. During mating season, large bulls compete at established rookery sites on Glacier Bay's outer coast to collect harems of females. Unsuccessful and immature males often congregate at haul-out areas like South Marble Island. Though the number of sea lions is growing in Glacier Bay, the population in Western Alaska has decreased by 80 percent since the late-1970s leading to that portion of the population's current listing as endangered.
 

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*Location note: The location chosen for this Steller sea lion is for illustrative purposes only. Steller sea lions can be found throughout Glacier Bay! Stay wildlife aware, and never approach wild animals.