Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the steller sea lion in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the steller sea lion in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the steller sea lion in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the steller sea lion’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Steller sea lion
Scientific name: Eumetopias jubatus
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Family: OTARIIDAE
Group: Marine mammals
Sensitivity to human approach: Not shy
Minimum approach distance: 100 m
Reproductive period: March to April
Duration: 330–360 jours
Births: March to April
Habitat:
Rocky shores, beaches and temperate coastal waters of the North Pacific
Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.
Identification and description:
The Steller sea lion is the largest otariid, with males reaching up to 3.3 m in length and weighing 600–1000 kg, with thick chestnut fur and a large head. It inhabits rocky shores and temperate coastal waters of the North Pacific, feeding mainly on fish, squid and crustaceans. During the breeding season, dominant males arrive in May to establish territories and harems, and females give birth to a single pup on shore in June–July.
Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Position yourself on a quiet boat at a respectful distance, keep your lens at water level to capture rafting groups and breaths ; shoot at sunrise in raking light, using a fast shutter speed to freeze splashes and a shallow depth of field to isolate the silhouette against the water.
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