Life is stressful, especially these days.
But watching sea lions floating in Howe Sound can make even the most high-strung person feel just a little calmer.
Squamish local Chris Dale, who usually has his camera lens focused on birds, spotted these sea lions off of Porteau Cove on March 24.
Vanessa Isnardy, of WildSafeBC told The Squamish Chief what Dale saw were likely California sea lions, judging by their dark coat contrasted against the light whiskers and visible ear flaps.
Sea lions can be very vocal, and they tend to loudly exhale when in the water, which is another way to help identify them from afar, she added.
"Harbour seals and sea lions are both considered pinnipeds, which means 'fin footed' in Latin. However, sea lions have much more elongated flippers, which makes them better at ambling along on land. They belong to a group called 'eared seals' and have small flaps for outer ears. Harbour seals have ears but lack this external flap," Isnardy said.
Sea lions congregate in larger groups called "rafts,” while harbour seals lead more solitary lives, she added.
"As with all animals, please do not approach them and give them plenty of space," Isnardy warned. "Approaching rookeries of pinnipeds on land can be very stressful. Never offer them food to entice them to come closer for a photo. Sea lions can carry Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease transmissible to people, or become aggressive. They are exceptionally large, fast and opportunistic."
If you see a pinniped that is entangled, call 1-800-465-4336.
More information on marine conservation can be found on the Marine Education and Research Society page.
