A sea lion is a large marine mammal that lives in coastal waters and can move on land surprisingly well. Unlike seals, which flop awkwardly on their bellies, sea lions have large front flippers that work almost like arms, letting them “walk” on beaches and rocks with a shuffling gait. They're excellent swimmers, using those powerful flippers to torpedo through the water hunting for fish and squid.

Sea lions are highly social animals. They gather in noisy groups called colonies on rocky shores, where hundreds might bask together in the sun, barking and honking in a chorus that sounds like a cross between a dog's bark and a trumpet. Males are much larger than females, and some species grow thick manes around their necks, which is how these animals got the name “sea lion.”

You might see sea lions at aquariums or marine parks, where they sometimes perform tricks that show off their intelligence and agility. In the wild, they live along coastlines in the Pacific Ocean and around South America. California sea lions are common along the western United States, often lounging on docks or sea platforms, sometimes to the annoyance of boat owners when their vessels become commandeered as sea lion sunbathing spots.