Sea Lion Caves News

Sea and Shore

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Why is a sea lion called that? It certainly does not look like a lion. In fact is looks more like a bear than any other land animal I can think of. E.S. Astoria.

Origin of common names given to animals, birds and fish is difficult to figure out in many cases. In addition, the names differ, in many cases, from locale to locale, and the names may change with time.

But, as for the sea lion, the International Oceanographic Foundation reports that the words "sea lion" was first used to describe one species.

In the Maine Mammals of the Northwestern Coast of North America, published in San Francisco in 1874, C.M. Scammon described the species thusly:
"The first named genus has a short, rounded head, prominent eyes, and a shaggy mane which imparts a resemblance o the king of beasts; hence, the appropriate name sea lion which was given it when first describe."

Notes IOF, the description should probably be applied to the species Eumetropias jubatu, the latter word meaning having mane like a lion. It adds "The word 'ursnus' means bear, and there is a sea lion named Callorhinus ursinus." The scientist who first described this species would agree with you in thinking that at least this particular species looks more like a bear than a lion.

If you want to make up your own mind about how the Oregon and Washington sea lions look, the best place to observe the creatures probably is in the Sea Lion Caves on the Oregon Central Coast.
by Eric Goranson, Journal Staff Writer