Sea to Sky photographer David Buzzard captured these images of sea lions — and some of their fans — at Porteau Cove on Friday night.
These are male California sea lions.
Some facts about them from Fisheries and Oceans Canada:
• Adult males can be up to 2.5 metres (8 feet) long
• They can weigh 200 to 400 kilograms (450 to 900 pounds)
• They are often dark brown and look almost black when wet
• They sound like they are barking, whereas steller sea lions sound like they are growling
• Males have a large dog-like head with a long, narrow snout, and small external ear flaps
• The sea lions' large hairless flippers can support their body for “walking"
• Only males are seen in B.C.
• They can be seen all year
• They come out of the water — haul out — onto rocky outcrops and islets, buoys and jetties
• At sea, they are often seen alone or in small groups; they may gather in large “rafts” as seen in Porteau Cove.
Report any adverse incidents involving marine mammals immediately to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 24/7 Observe, Record, Report Line 1.800.465.4336 or VHF Channel 16.
Always follow ethical photography guidelines when shooting pictures of wildlife.
