All Pinnipeds are protected in United States waters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Pinnipedia is the Scientific Order that includes Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses.

The Scientific name for this group of animals, including Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses is ... Pinnipedia. It's a Latin word meaning "Fin-Footed" and refers to the modifications of limbs to flippers. Pinnipeds have four (4) flippers - one (1) pair in front, and one (1) pair in back. Pinnipeds are "Mammals" - that means they are "Warm-Blooded", give live birth, nurse their young, breathe air, and... have hair! (Humans are also Mammals!) Since Pinnipeds live in the ocean and find their food at sea, Pinnipeds are called "Marine Mammals." Other marine mammals include Whales and Sea Otters. Although marine mammals spend most of their time in the water, they also use the land. (Apart from Whales and Dolphins). Pinnipeds may come ashore to rest, soak in the sun, and once a year to breed and give birth. A Pinniped's body is insulated with a thick layer of fat, which we call "Blubber". Blubber lies just under the skin, and keeps them warm in the cold ocean waters, contributes to their streamlined shape and helps store energy.

How do you tell the difference between a Seal and a Sea Lion?

Sea Lion and Fur Seal Seals The head has small, tiny external ear flaps. The head has tiny ear holes, no flaps. The front flippers are long like wings, no hair and no nails. The front flippers are short and blunt and covered with hair, nails are on the ends. The hind flippers are large and like paddles. They are hairless, and are webbed. Nails appear halfway along middle three digits. They CAN turn their hind flippers forward to move on land. The hind flippers are same as the front ones, and they CANNOT turn their hind flippers around. So movement is harder for them.

See if you can answer these questions? All the answers are here on the site somewhere!

What does "Pinniped" mean? Stellar Sea Lions and Fur Seals all have what sort of ears? Marine Mammals are protected by Law, so what is it "AGAINST the LAW" for people to do to them? The Northern Elephant Seal is a frequent or a less frequent visitor to the area? What Phone Number do you ring to report Marine Mammal Strandings? Grey Whales can be seen offshore from when to when?

Why must you NOT touch beached Marine Mammals? The animals may simply be resting on the beach, so you must NOT _______ them or _______ them away? The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is dedicated to what? Who does the Center count on the MOST to help with their Rescues and Rehabilitation efforts? Who does the Center rely upon MOST for money to cover Operating Costs, Equipment, and Fish for the Rescued Animals?