How many sea lions and seals are there in California?
A. In California, one commonly sees California sea lions and Pacific harbor seals. According to federal population estimates (1995), there are approximately 161,000 to 181,000 California sea lions on the west coast. They give birth and breed primarily at the southern California Channel Islands from May to July. After the breeding season, adult males migrate north, some as far as British Columbia, Canada! In comparison, there are about 32,000 harbor seals along California’s mainland and island coasts. Seals give birth and breed from February to May all along the California coastline. Unlike sea lions, harbor seals tend to remain in the same general area. Both populations are healthy and their numbers continue to increase.
