Field Guide to Marine Mammals of the Pacific Coast [Paperback]

From gray whales giving birth in the lagoons of Baja California to sea otters nestled in kelp beds off California to killer whales living around Vancouver Islandthis spectacular stretch of the Pacific Coast boasts one of the most abundant populations of sea mammals on earth. This handy interpretive field guide describes the 45 whales, dolphins, seals, and otters that are resident in, migrate through, or forage from Baja in Mexico to British Columbia in Canada. The guides rich species accounts provide details on identification, natural history, distribution, and conservation. They also tell where and how these fascinating animals can best be viewed. Introductory chapters give general information on the ecology, evolution, and taxonomy of marine mammals; on the Pacific Coasts unique environment; and on the relationship between marine mammals and humans from native cultures to today. Featuring many color illustrations, photographs, drawings, and maps, this up-to-date guide illuminates a fascinating group of animals and reveals much about their mysterious lives in the ocean.

Sarah G. Allen, a scientist with a federal environmental agency, has studied marine birds and mammals from the Gulf of the Farallones, California, to Antarctica. Joe Mortenson, formerly of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, is the author ofAnimal Behavior: Theory and ResearchandWhale Songs and Wasp Maps. Sophie Webb, a director of Oikonos, is the illustrator of several field guides includingA Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America.

Handy, [with] rich species accounts. . . . A must have for anyone interested in marine mammals!

For the person who enjoys watching the creatures that inhabit our coastline, the mariner who might travel with pods of whales, or the beachcomber who shares the sand with seals and sea lions, this is a field guide that should be tucked into every day pack or sea bag.

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