At first glance, they might seem cute, with sleep, spotted coats, floppy forms, and near mischievous-looking smiles, as they haul-out upon land or ice. But put yourself in the shoes – or flippers, rather – of an unfortunate penguin, and you’d see a different side of them: a gaping pink maw, greeting you with long fangs, ready to pierce flesh.
While it’s unlikely you’ll ever encounter one of these apex predators unless you find yourself down in the southern hemisphere, leopard seals wield a fearsome reputation and bite.
(credit: Stephen Lew/Shutterstock)
Leopard seals are fascinating creatures that have captured the interest of researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. From where they call home to how they survive in the harsh conditions of the Antarctic, here are some things to know about the sea leopard.
Leopard seals live in the frigid Southern Ocean, inhabiting the icy Antarctic continent as well as sub-Antarctic ...
