Hunting Leopard Seals

Leopard seals are top predators in the Antarctic; the only animal that preys upon them is the killer whale. Their favorite food is penguin, which comprises 87 percent of their diet.The bulls are usually about 2.8 meters long and weigh up to 320 kg, while cows are around 3.0 meters in length and weigh up to 370 kg. Very large females can reach over 3.5 meters and weigh over 400 kg. Leopard seals hunt in shallow waters by hiding under overhanging edges of ice and ambushing penguins, who have to brave the dangerous waters to find food. Cutting edge scientists are using advanced equipment such as Crittercam to learn more about these amazing animals.