Oceans of Fun: Meet Our Animals

Seals and sea lions are both classified as pinnipeds. They are also known as marine mammals. Being a mammal means that they possess the five characteristics that all mammals share. They are warm blooded, air breathing, covered with body hair, and they give birth to live young that the females nurse and care for.

Sea lions and seals also share many predators. Their natural predators include killer whales, sharks, polar bears, coyotes and wolves. We are also considered to be a predator to marine mammals. Humans create pollution and oil spills, overfish, and use drift nets. All of these things contribute to making life out in the wild very difficult and dangerous for these animals. Plastic is especially dangerous to these animals since it is found both in the water and on land. Humans can really help these animals out by recycling in our own homes.