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Mammals




Sea Lions

underwater photograph of a sealion Sea lions can be found all over British Columbia. In the Victoria area they are abundant at Race Rocks, which is where these pictures were taken. The two types of sea lions found here are stellar and Californian. Stellars can grow to three and a half meters (twelve feet) in length and weigh up to eight hundred kilograms (two thousand pounds). California sea lions are somewhat smaller but still weigh many times that of a human.
underwater photograph of a sealion
Underwater these massive mammals are not afraid of humans and the greater their numbers the braver they get. Despite their incredible bulk, they are as graceful as birds and are just as fast. Sea lions are wild animals and although they seem to be friendly and playful their attitudes can change rapidly. They have been known to yank on fins, knock off the occasional mask and even bite. With their size and speed, they must be respected.
underwater photograph of a sealion If after reading the preceding paragraph, you still want to dive with sea-lions here are a few recommendations:
  • Enter the water away from the area where the sea lions are, then drift toward them underwater.
  • Make occasional eye contact but don't stare them down.
  • Stay close to the bottom when they are near.
  • Always move slowly and deliberately.
  • Be mentally prepared to see them. If you are startled and you make a sudden movement toward them, they may consider your action threatening or aggressive.
  • If any aggressive behavior is noticed, such as blowing bubbles into your face or continually 'dive-bombing' you, move out of the area.
I must stress that sea lions are unpredictable wild animals and can be dangerous.




Harbour Seals

underwater photograph of a seal chewing on my knifeunderwater photograph of a seal chewing on my knifeOn a dive at McKenzie Bight in the Saanich Inlet, this friendly fellow could not leave us alone. It loved fins, knives and what ever else it could tug on. It also enjoyed the occasional belly rub.


underwater photograph of a seal chewing on my knifeunderwater photograph of a seal chewing on my knife Harbour seals are generally very shy. I have a feeling that this one spent some time in captivity and got used to humans during that time.


underwater photograph of a seal chewing on my knifeunderwater photograph of a seal chewing on my knifeSome seals which are abandoned on the beach, found by someone and are then raised in captivity.





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