Many animal species look so much alike that it’s pretty common to mistake them for each other. Sea lions and seals are a case in point, and our brief guide will help you spot key differences that set these fascinating marine mammals apart.
Physical Differences
When trying to spot a physical difference between sea lions and seals, pay close attention to their ears and flippers. Unlike seals, sea lions have external ear flaps, while their front flippers make it easier to walk, even on dry land.
Different Movements
Speaking of walking on land, sea lions are pretty skillful in this arena, rotating their hind flippers to walk, while seals are more proficient when it comes to swimming and don’t do so well on land.
Noise Levels
Both seals and sea lions are pretty vocal animals, but not to the same extent. Sea lions are tremendously noisy, while seals are more prone to making quieter noises and vocalizing via soft grunts.
Social Behavior
Unlike seals, sea lions are highly social creatures, often found in large colonies including hundreds of individuals. That’s not the case with seals because they tend to be more solitary in nature, only forming small groups or pairs during breeding season.
