There are two species of sea lions that occur in British
Columbia waters. The two may be found together, but they are
here for different reasons. lions basking in the islands of
Haida Gwaii unlike the ubiquitous Harbour Seal of the coast, are
able to move about on land using their four flippers. They are
further distinguished by their longer necks and external ears.
Sea lions gather at "haul-outs", where the two species loaf
side-by-side. They are sometimes seen on the rocks beside the
ferry route through Active Pass, and at Race Rocks near
Victoria, among many other suitable rocky islets. From December
through April, sea lions converge on the east side of Vancouver
Island to feed on herring that are returning to spawn. The log
booms at the pulp mill at Harmac has been a good spot to see
both species, and further north, off French Creek, the herring
spawn can produce a wildlife spectacle of epic proportions. Both
species of sea lions may be preyed on by the transient race of
Killer Whales, which almost exclus