The Photographer's Perspective

The Photographer's Perspective

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The Photographer's Perspective
The Photographer's Perspective
This is not a seal

This is not a seal

Your friendly neighborhood pinniped would like a word

Jason Odell's avatar
Jason Odell
Feb 25, 2025
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The Photographer's Perspective
The Photographer's Perspective
This is not a seal
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California sea lion pup at La Jolla Cove, CA | © Jason P. Odell

Sorry, but my biology background is catching up with me again. In addition to all the sea birds I photograph in an around San Diego, there’s also these cuties. Everyone points and says, “hey, look at the seals.” Sure, Jan. Those are sea lions. As the son of a marine biologist who studied sea lions, I have to point out the distinctions here

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Seal or Sea Lion: How can you tell?

  • Sea lions have external ear flaps; seals just have ear holes

  • Sea lions can sit upright and walk on their front flippers; seals have to “slug” their way across the beach

  • Sea lions can rotate their hind flippers underneath themselves; seals cannot.

  • Sea lions won’t respond if you shout “hey, seal!” (Okay, I made that one up)

Here’s a harbor seal for comparison (they are pretty cute, too):

Harbor seal at La Jolla Children’s Pool, CA | © Jason P. Odell

Okay, class dismissed!

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