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More Mammals
All seals are fairly similar in their phylogenetic characteristics, whether they are earless seals (Phocidae) or eared seals (Otariidae). Distinguishing characteristics that set seals apart include usually a dense fur coat and the retention of all four limbs. Seals are less adapted for an aquatic environment when compared to whales, but nevertheless, they are quite suited for their habitat. These animals still need to come ashore to mate, give birth, or to rest, limiting their habitat to coastal areas. Due to their heightened levels of insulation of fur and blubber, many pinnipeds choose to live in cooler waters, ranging from the Antarctic to Arctic.

California Sea Lion- Zalophus californianus

The California Sea lion is an example of an eared seal in the family Otariidae. These sea lions are located mainly along the California and Baja coast, and on some offshore islands. These animals are traditionally dark brown and known for their large size, especially the males which can reach up to a weight of 500-600 pounds (females are much smaller, reaching weights of around 20 pounds). Cephalopods are the main food source of the sea lion, though they will also consume fish such as herring or even an occasional seabird.

California sea lions appear to be the most abundant pinniped, feeding across the continental shelf, and more recently feeding on salmon, causing fishermen much distress. They can also be found in harbors, near humans or fishmarkets awaiting food.

Santa Espiritu, an island in the southern part of the Sea of Cortez has become home to a large colony of sea lions. Due to its proximity to land and the tropical climate of the water, the sea lions are able to feed, mate, and raise their young successfully.

Harbor or Common Seal - Phoca vitulina or Phoca largha

Harbor seals are one of the true earless seals in the family Phocidae inhabiting temperate to subarctic and even some arctic waters, giving them one of the largest ranges of any pinniped. The harbor seal is also the most easily observed pinniped along the California coastline, and can be seen in Baja as well.

This seal occurs near shore, on sand and mudflats in estuaries and bays, offshore rocks, and some isolated beaches, only occasionally venturing out into open ocean, but usually no further than 10 km from land. Harbor seals do not migrate, though they can and do move anywhere from 10-20 km to foraging areas each night.

Diversity in coloration and patterns in adults is extremely high, the markings ranging in shapes from spots to rings to blotches, and the coloration ranging from white-gray to dark brown and black against a similar background. The defining characteristic between the harbor seal and the sea lion is the lack of ears in the harbor seal.