Photo Gallery: Seals and Sea Lions

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Baby Harp Seal

Photograph by Norbert Rosing

A baby harp seal rests on the Arctic ice. Its mother can distinguish it from hundreds of others by scent alone.

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Leopard Seal

Photograph by John Eastcott and Yva Momatiuk

Leopard seals, named for their spotted coats, are one of the primary predators of Antarctica.

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Sleeping Weddell Seal

Photograph by Ralph Lee Hopkins

Weddell seals are known for their docile nature and are easily approached by humans.

California Sea Lion on a Rock

Photograph by Bates Littlehales

Fastest of the seals and sea lions, California sea lions can be seen gathered in colonies along the Pacific coastlines of North America.

Female Steller Sea Lions Conversing

Photograph by Joel Sartore

"These animals are always yelling at each other," writes photographer Joel Sartore of the Steller sea lions on Alaska's Lowrie Island. Here, two females go nose-to-nose over a disputed bit of territory in a crowded rookery. Alaska's Steller sea lion populations have been in precipitous decline over the last 30 years, and scientists are at a loss to explain the cause.

California Sea Lion Nursing Her Pup

Photograph by George F. Mobley

A large population of California sea lions inhabits the Galápagos Islands. This group is categorized as a separate subspecies from its relatives along the North American coast.

New Zealand Fur Seal Basking

Photograph by Maria Stenzel

Fur seals belong to the class known as eared seals and have excellent hearing and sharp eyesight. They live in colonies on rocky beaches, but will spend weeks at a time in the water hunting.

Northern Elephant Seal and Her Pup

Photograph by Marc Moritsch

At home on the coasts of Mexico and southern California, a northern elephant seal and her pup remain close together during the three months the pup nurses.

Elephant Seal Barks at the Camera

Photograph by Maria Stenzel

The largest true seal, elephant seals can barely move on land but are strong, agile swimmers. Males are much larger than females and have a trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its name.