Males are sexually mature when they are about four to five years old, females when they are three to four years old. Males however, may not mate until they are 8-10 years old; when they are fully grown, more experienced, and can hold a breeding territory.

Sea lions do not mate for life. Females often mate with the male who is holding the breeding territory, where they give birth. She also may seek out another male she prefers. She can mate with more than one male in a breeding season. Dominant males that hold breeding territories typically mate with up to 40 females each breeding season. In subsequent seasons, other males may hold the territories. Males can grow up to about 1000 pounds; they reach full size after about 10 years.

California sea lions have always frequented the San Francisco Bay, especially during the winter months when herring spawn in the bay. The Marine Mammal Center’s biologists believe that the California sea lions have chosen to haul out at PIER 39's K dock because there is plenty of food nearby in the bay and ocean, their natural predators (great white sharks and orcas) do not come in the Bay, and there is plenty of space.

Yes and no. From late summer to late spring, 150-300 sea lions haul out here. In June and July, most of the sea lions head south to breeding grounds on the Channel Islands, but a few dozen have remained throughout the summer in recent years. In late July, non-breeding subadult males and females begin to migrate north again. Other breeding males travel north later. Some males migrate as far north as British Columbia, Canada, and Alaska.

Because they are mammals, they get diseases similar to those found in humans, such as pneumonia, cancer, bacterial infections, and viral infections. For example, sea lions get leptospirosis, a bacterial infection similar to the one cats and dogs are vaccinated against. They are often infested by lung, heart and gastrointestinal parasites. Injuries include natural ones, inflicted by other sea lions or their predators.

Some sea lions are permanently branded by researchers, who want to track them throughout their lives. A few branded sea lions can provide a wealth of information about range, behavior and life history. Tags are not as reliable as brands because, they may fall off or their numbers may wear off. Additionally, brands are easier to see than flipper tags.

The Navy has an excellent website on its Marine Mammal Program. Visit http://spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/technology/mammals/ for more information.

Yes. Handicrafts are defined as items that are not mass produced and are significantly altered from the raw or tanned skin form. Handicrafts can be sold to Alaska Natives and the general public. However, restrictions exist for the export of handicrafts containing Steller sea lion parts from the United States. For more information click here.

The sea lions have pretty much learned that K dock is theirs and until 1995 rarely hauled out on other docks. Boat owners on other docks have been asked to discourage them from hauling out by using “herding boards” or large garbage cans on wheels to push the sea lions back into the water. In 1995, old dock sections of K dock, which sat lower in the water, were removed. At that time, a few California sea lions began hauling out on J dock.

Yes, it is possible that you or other mammals could catch something from a sea lion if they have a contagious disease and you touch them, their feces or are bitten. However, over the more than 30 years that marine mammals have been in captivity, very few cases have been recorded of humans catching something from marine mammals. Prior to 1995, The Center rescued seven sea lions at PIER 39's K dock. However, it is extremely difficult to rescue a sea lion off these docks.

The average animal stays at The Center one to three months. Approximately 50% of the animals treated for more than 24 hours by The Center are released back to the wild.

Yes. When you see a trained “seal” at the circus, you are most likely seeing a trained sea lion. Sea lions are quick to learn new things, and can move more easily on land than seals can.

There are no U.S. Government restrictions on the taking of Steller sea lions for coastal Alaska Native subsistence as long as such practices do not contribute to the demise of the species. However, any Alaska Native Tribal Government has the ability to develop regulations on when and where hunts may occur. It is important to check with the local tribal government to see if any regulations exist.

The Channel Islands are 370 miles by land from San Francisco, off the coast of Santa Barbara. If a sea lion swam at maximum speed (25 mph), the trip would take it approximately 15 hours. However, sea lions don't swim at maximum speed; they take their time. It probably takes them a few days.

Most dives are only a few minutes long, but California sea lions can stay under water 10 to 15 minutes.

No, there are about 160,000 in the California population. Including California sea lions breeding in Mexico and the Galapagos sea lion, the total worldwide population is approximately 200,000. In the U.S., they are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. The Steller sea lion, which also occurs in California and occasionally at PIER 39, is listed as threatened and endangered.

Because sea lions like to eat fish and are curious and often unafraid of humans, they have been known to follow fishing boats, ruin fishing gear and steal the catch. Fishermen obviously do not like this and some do shoot sea lions. It is illegal for fishermen to shoot sea lions. Fishermen are required to try other methods to scare off the sea lions. Anyone caught illegally shooting sea lions will be tried in federal court.

Melt some chocolate by puting a container with the chocolate in a pan of boiling water, stir the chocolate when it is getting hot. Some experimentation regarding what chocolate to use is in place. I used chocolate chips of from Girardelli. One should probably aim for dark and not too sweet chocolate. Pour the chocolate over the beans and smear it so that each bean is covered - you should have a single layer of covered beans not too far apart. Place the beans in a pan (no teflon) and roast them.

The Dead Sea Scrolls date from the 3rd century before the common era (BCE) to the 1st century of the common era (CE). The scrolls contain some of the oldest-known copies of biblical books, as well as hymns, prayers, and other important writings.

You are eligible to join if you are within three months of reaching your 13th birthday and have not yet reached your 18th birthday. Younger people (11 thru 13 years old) may be eligible to join the League Cadets in the Coronado Battalion's sister unit, Training Ship Bora Bora.