The California sea lion, scientifically known as Zalophus californianus, is a species of sea lion native to the western coast of North America, particularly along the Pacific coast of the United States and Mexico.

California Sea Lion distribution:

1. United States: California sea lions are primarily found along the coast of California, from the southern border with Mexico to the northern border with Oregon. They inhabit a range of coastal habitats, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and coastal islands. Major breeding colonies and haul-out sites can be found in locations such as:
   • Channel Islands: These include islands such as San Miguel Island, Santa Rosa Island, and San Nicolas Island, which host significant populations of California sea lions.
   • Farallon Islands: Located off the coast of San Francisco, the Farallon Islands are an important breeding site for California sea lions.
   • Monterey Bay: Areas along the coastline of Monterey Bay, including beaches and rocky outcrops, provide habitat for California sea lions.
2. Mexico: California sea lions also occur along the Pacific coast of Mexico, particularly in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) and along the Baja California Peninsula. They can be found in coastal areas, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and offshore islands.

California sea lions are highly social marine mammals, known for their playful behavior and intelligence. They feed primarily on fish and squid and are often spotted near fishing ports and harbors where they opportunistically feed on discarded fish. Conservation efforts aim to protect their habitats and ensure sustainable fisheries practices to maintain healthy populations of California sea lions along the Pacific coast.