The Steller (or Northern) sea lion is the largest member of the family Otariidae. Among adult females and subadult males, the upper body is slim, whereas in adult males it is heavy and muscular. The head is bearlike with a moderate step between muzzle and forehead. The rear flippers are relatively small and can be turned beneath the body for travel on land. The pelage is light buff to reddish brown, slightly darker in the chest and abdomen. Overall the pelage appears darker when wet. However, beneath the water it appears white, whereas the California sea lion appears black.

In surveys along the Oregon Coast, Steller sea lions were observed ashore at 10 sites extending from the South Jetty at the mouth of the Columbia River in Clatsop County, south to Rogue Reef in Curry County.

The Steller sea lion is gregarious, forming large groups on traditional rookeries and resting areas; at sea it may form rafts of several hundred individuals.

The Steller sea lion is an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species in the Nearshore ecoregion.

Photo from ODFW