The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is native to the Pacific Ocean, primarily along the western coast of North America. Their range extends from southeast Alaska down to central Mexico, including the Gulf of California.

California sea lions inhabit coastal and marine environments, including sandy or rocky beaches, bays, harbors, and estuaries. They can also be found on man-made structures like docks and piers. This species thrives in temperate to subtropical climates, often in regions characterized by upwelling, which provides a rich source of food.

The California sea lion occupies a marine ecological niche as an opportunistic and versatile predator. Their diet mainly comprises fish and squid, and they are also known to prey on octopus and occasionally small sharks. Being social animals, they often form large colonies onshore, which provide refuge and places for breeding, molting, and resting. They show remarkable adaptability, which allows them to exploit different marine resources across their range.