Sea Lions

What characteristics of all Sea lions (Otarridae or earred seals)?
Sea lions are large pinnipeds and the males tend to be much larger than the females.  Sea lions have coarse fur, which is more prominent than the underfur.  They gather in large herds at mating time.  The males will aggressively defend their territories and harems.  Se Lions rear flippers can be faced forward to move on land and their flippers are bare and the claws are small.

Fur Seals

Fur seal males can be more than five times heavier than the females.  The fur seals are covered with a dense layer of fur, intermixing in the dense fur are coarse guard hairs that are molted once a year. They gather in large herds at mating time.  The males will aggressively defend their territories and harems.  Their rear flippers can be faced forward to move on land.  Their flippers are bare and the claws are small.

Learn more about sea lions and fur seals in Alaska:
Northern Fur Seal
Steller Sea Lions

Check out cool photos at the sea lion gallery