Video shows sea lions diving off cliff after massive earthquake strikes Russia's far east
The video taken by a tourist on a nature day trip shows at least 30 sea lions jumping off cliffs and into the waves for safety as an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the island of Antsiferov.
The earthquake also prompted tsunami alerts along America's West Coast, from Alaska to Hawaii, with no immediate damage reported. Meanwhile, authorities in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands have ordered a precautionary evacuation for residents living in vulnerable areas along the Pacific coast, according to Reuters.
More on sea lions on the island
The island affected by the earthquake is home to Steller sea lions, the largest members of the family Otariidae, which includes "eared seals," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
The species was named after German surgeon and naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who described it in 1742, according to NOAA Fisheries.
The seals can be found mainly along the North Pacific Ocean rim from northern Hokkaido, Japan, to the Kuril Islands and Sea of Okhotsk. They can also be found in the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea, the southern coast of Alaska and south to central California.
Adult males tend to be much larger than females, the agency said. Adult males can be up to 11 feet long and can weigh up to 2,500 pounds, while adult females are 7.5 to 9.5 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds.
They primarily feed at night and consume over 100 species of fish, including mackerel, walleye pollock, salmon, Pacific cod, flounder and others. They can forage both nearshore and offshore, and can travel long distances within a single season.
Disturbances and how they impact sea lions
The creatures need 'undisturbed land habitat to rest, molt, socialize, mate, give birth, and nurse small pups during the breeding season,' NOAA Fisheries said.
The agency also said Steller sea lions have been disturbed in the past by powerboats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft, as well as approaching aircraft..
'Disturbance to Steller sea lions on terrestrial haulout sites can lead to individuals fleeing toward the water, causing mass stampedes during which pups and juveniles may be injured or killed when crushed by adults,' the agency said. 'Disturbance can also cause sea lions to flee from the tops of steep rocks or cliff faces, also causing injury or death.'
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Massive earthquake sends sea lions diving into Russian sea for safety
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