One of the most popular species of sea lion seen in zoos and aquariums, this intelligent and playful species of coastal eared seal can be found in the southwestern US and western North America with its habitat ranging from southeast Alaska to Central Mexico, including the Gulf of California. The males are larger than the females and haul-out upon sandy or rocky beaches. They have a polygynous breeding pattern and from May to August, males make their own territories to attract females. They spend their days at sea hunting fish and squid, though come to the shore to moult.