This handy guide provides the information needed to identify all the species of marine mammals that occur along the California coast, and tells the best places to observe them. It also presents a compact survey of the remarkable adaptations that enable these astonishing creatures to survive in their ocean environment. The illustrations for this revised edition have been completely redone, taking advantage of new findings about the size and shape of flukes, dorsal fins, and other features in whales and dolphins, as well as shapes, sexual differences, and social behavior in seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Many of the marine mammals described in the book have made tremendous come-backs from near-extinction, notably the gray whales, elephant seals, and sea otters. They need strong protection if they are to be ensured of survival. This volume provides the basis for informed public understanding of these remarkable animals.

This handy guide provides the information needed to identify all the species of marine mammals that occur along the California coast, and tells the best places to observe them. It also presents a compact survey of the remarkable adaptations that enable th