Leopard Seal

About the Leopard Seal

The apex predator of Antarctica. They are one of the only seals that regularly eats warm-blooded prey, including other seals. They have been known to play with penguins like cats play with mice before killing them. A researcher was killed by one in 2003 - the first human fatality. They have razor-sharp teeth adapted for shearing flesh. They can open their jaws 160 degrees. They are solitary and fiercely territorial. They can live 26+ years. Females are larger than males. They have been observed sharing food with divers. Their bloodcurdling calls haunt the Antarctic silence.