Most dangerous seal

Most dangerous seal

Last updated: March 29, 2020 at 15:24 pm

The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) — Leopard seals live around the pack ice in Antarctica where they hunt penguins and other seals. They are the only seal species that feeds on warm-blooded prey. Attacks on humans are rare, but humans rarely interact with the animal. Females can measure up to 3.4 m (11 ft) and weigh up to 591 kg (1,300 lbs). There have been at least three recorded attacks on humans. A leopard seal attacked a member of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-1917) and another attacked a British explorer in 1985. In both cases, the seal was either shot or had to be beaten off of its intended prey. Kirsty Brown, a scientist with the British Antarctic Survey, was killed by a leopard seal while snorkeling near Rothera Research Station on July 22, 2003.

Rogers, T.L.; Hogg, C. & Irvine, A. (2005). Spatial movement of adult leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) in Prydz Bay, Eastern Antarctica. Polar Biology. 28 (6): 456–463.

Carrington, Damian (2003-07-24). Inquiry into fatal leopard seal attack begins. NewScientist.com

Owen, James (August 6, 2003). Leopard Seal Kills Scientist in Antarctica. National Geographic Society.

Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), Antarctic Sound, near Brown Bluff, Tabarin Peninsula. Photo by Andrew Shiva (Creative Commons)

A leopard seal yawning, Antarctic Sound, near Brown Bluff, Tabarin Peninsula. Photo by Andrew Shiva (Creative Commons)

A leopard seal growling. Photo by cyfer13 (Creative Commons)

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