Click on the pictures below to enlarge them and see the full size picture. California sea lion, Harbor seal, Northern Fur Seal, Stellar's Sea lion. All pinnipeds are protected in United States waters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Pinnipedia - a 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 .
Pinnipeds have four flippers - one pair in front, and one pair in back.
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. Pinnipeds may come ashore to rest, soak in the sun, and once a year to breed and give birth. Blubber lies just under the skin, and keeps them warm in the cold ocean waters, contributes to their streamlined shape and helps store energy.