What’s the difference between seals and sea lions?
Although seals and sea lions may appear very similar, they are actually quite different. Discover their many differences below.
The confusion between the two comes from the fact that they are both pinnipeds (fin-footed, carnivorous marine mammals). However, seals and sea lions are in fact two separate families called Phocidae and Otariidae. The only other pinniped family is Odobenidae, of which the only living species left is the walrus.
Physical differences
A distinctive trait to differentiate the two is whether they have visible ears. ‘Earless’ seals (Phocidae) do not have external ear flaps. However, ‘eared seals’ (Otariidae), such as sea lions, do. Seals are generally smaller than sea lions - though there are exceptions to this, like elephant seals which can weigh up to 4,000 kilograms!
A grey seal - It is a 'true' seal as it has no ear flaps.
Credit: Kirsty Andrews
The way they move out of the water is also very different. Sea lions have larger front flippers than seals. As such, they are generally much more confident and agile walkers on land than seals. They can rotate their hip bones and support their weight so that they push off the ground and almost gallop.
A harbour seal pup laying on the shore of Tighnabruaich, Scotland
Credit: Symmol/Unsplash
Social differences
Sea lions are incredibly social animals and are known to be very noisy, as well as smelly when they gather on land. They make barks and grunts to communicate with one another.
Seals are much quieter than sea lions but are also known to gather on land with one another. This is generally to rest, moult and avoid predators such as Orcas, sharks and even other seals like leopard seals.
During mating season, seals become more social and will gather in small groups to find a partner. Though seals may attack one another over a single female, their fights are generally less aggressive than sea lions - though as always, there are exceptions to this.
On the other hand, male sea lions or bulls are highly territorial during mating season. They form large breeding colonies where they compete for dominance against one another in order to claim their right to mate with a group of females throughout the season.
A sea lion barking. Its sharp teeth show how painful a bite could be.
Credit: Romy Vreeswijk/Unsplash
Regional differences
If you live in the UK then there is one vital thing between knowing the difference between seals and sea lions: sea lions are not native to our shores. Beach walkers will not see any groups lazing around our coast like they might at Pier 39 in San Francisco. On the other hand, the UK is home to two species of seal, the harbour (common) seal and the grey seal.
These species of seals can be found across all four nations that make up the UK from the Moray Firth in Scotland, the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales, Blakeney Point in England and Strangford Laugh in Northern Ireland.
Why are our seals so important?
UK seals play a vital role in our marine ecosystem, serving as key indicators of ocean health and contributing to biodiversity. Their presence supports the ecological balance by regulating fish populations, and they are a source of fascination for ecotourism, boosting local economies and fostering a deeper appreciation for marine conservation.
Protecting these iconic creatures is not only essential for preserving the natural heritage of the UK but also for ensuring the sustainability of its rich and vibrant coastal environments for future generations.
