The total number of this mighty beast is about half a million individuals. These earless seals are highly dangerous and aggressive towards humans. It is best not to be in the open waters where Leopard Seals are known to live. The sun baking Sea Lion from Antarctica, resting on a Brighton boat ramp. The leopard seal’s greatest danger is man-made threats, such as diminishing pack ice due to global climate change. If they feel the threat to you just become careful because they have the tendency to harm you to death. Leopard seals are solitary animals whose natural habitat is the Antarctic pack ice, and can live for up to 26 years. The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), also known as the sea leopard, is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic, after the southern elephant seal.Its only natural predators are the killer whale and possibly the elephant seal.It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds, krill, birds and fish. Leopard seals, normally found in Antarctica, are rarely spotted in Australia, but experts say sightings of the dangerous predator are becoming more common, particularly in Tasmania. Leopard seals are apex predators presenting a potential risk to humans. 9. The only species in the genus Hydrurga, the Leopard seal is the second largest species of seal of the Antarctic. "They are very intelligent animals, they are not malicious but if threatened they will protect themselves. Leopard seals refers to the species of true seals inhabiting the subantarctic regions of the Southern Ocean. However, attacks on humans are rare. Leopard seals, normally found in Antarctica, are rarely spotted in Australia, but experts say sightings of the dangerous predator are becoming more common, particularly in Tasmania. In sub-Antarctic Islands such as South Georgia the birth season is August to September. Owing to its widespread occurrence and large population size (estimated at 220,000 -400,000 individuals), the leopard seal is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. They are also threatened by overfishing, which could potentially collapse the food chain. Most recently she covered breaking news for The Age, and before that for The Australian in Melbourne. Simone is a crime reporter for The Age. b. a leopard seal 3. “Tricky Pictures That Will Make You Look Twice“. While attacks of humans are rare, cases of aggression, stalking, and fatalities have been documented. Hypothetically yes. And they're not exactly big teddy bears either, Leopard seals are as aggressive in nature as they are big in size. The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is easily identified by its long slim body and comparatively large fore-flippers. "They have been known to kill a human in the wild. The leopard seal’s disproportionately large head, massive jaws, impressive teeth and tremendous gape give it a snake-like appearance. Also Checkout: 22 Bizarre Pictures That Look Twice to Understand. Leopard he was called for the skin covered with stains, and also because of very predatory behavior – he is also fierce and dangerous for other marine animals. It can be a dangerous endeavor to try to study these creatures, and in one case, leopard seals have been known to kill a human. Stunned early morning beachgoers in Melbourne's south-east have stumbled across a large male leopard seal slumbering on Brighton beach. He was frightened because . The solitary marine mammal, which is on a tour of the Victorian coast after it was spotted at Ocean Grove earlier this week, was discovered on Wednesday morning by members of the public who alerted police. A 3.5-metre leopard seal has come ashore in northern NSW as authorities warn eager onlookers to keep their distance from the potentially deadly marine mammal. Ms Farrell said experts are still unsure about why leopard seals migrate towards Australia, with some found as far north as the mid-north NSW coast. Scientific Name – Hydrurga leptonyx Classification – Hydrurga Gender Names – Male – bull; Female – cow; Baby – pup Collective Noun – Herd, pod, rookery, harem Length/Size – 2.4-3.2m […] The leopard seal, which appeared hurt, ... ''Apart from a human, it's probably the most dangerous mammal you are likely to encounter on New Zealand shores.'' d. the outdoors 5. However, not all … Attacks on humans are rare, but humans rarely interact with the animal. This seal is sometimes called the sea leopard, and the resemblance is more than skin deep. A beached leopard seal at Durras North on the NSW south coast in 2013. Credit:Michael Young. Ranked as the third largest pinniped (seal) in the world, after the walrus and the elephant seal, the leopard seal is an amazing creature that can be both fascinating and dangerous at the same time. Fortunately for man and the rest of the animal kingdom, the wisdom of nature has constrained this enormous capacity to … The leopard seal grows to 7 metres (23ft) and weighs half a tonne. It can kill even 10 people when touched. They tend to have a probing nature and at times, play with them instead. Bottlenose dolphins can kill humans for no good natural reason. But these soft creatures can hurt you too. Leopard seals rank alongside killer whales as Antarctica's top predator. These are one of the most dangerous frogs ever. Part of Brighton beach was closed off during the morning to protect the seal. Many of them have been hunted though for sport as well to get rid of them due to their behaviors. Police said the animal was not in any distress but reminded locals that it's an offence for people to go within 30 metres of a seal on land or to let their dog go within 50 metres of it. Police were alerted to a slumbering seal at Brighton Beach this morning. Leopard seals can also be dangerous Sadly, there is a flip side to Nicklen’s encounter. Most dangerous seal. Jools Farrell from the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) said the seal was most likely resting after travelling a long way from its natural habitat. But there are some dangerous animals which can prove fatal for you. And keep dogs away. You can never think that they can harm you. Leopard seals are aggressive animals and though they do not often attack humans, but they are highly dangerous. Mark Keenan, the head of the Marine Response Unit at Zoos Victoria, attended the scene to check the leopard seal was healthy and uninjured, before it returned to the water a few hours later. "One thing the public need to be aware of, there are a lot of people who think they are friendly and smiling because of the grin but they are extremely dangerous animals. Not a well, adult leopard seal, anyway. The leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx) — Leopard seals live around the pack ice in Antarctica where they hunt penguins and other seals. 'The leopard seal is a sleek and violent hunter,' said Nachoum. This is one of the most deadly fishes ever. They have got the cutest eyes, don’t they? Liked This? A “dangerous” leopard seal - whose only natural predator is the killer whale - has been spotted sunning itself on Perth beaches. Any penguin that doesn't stay with the group risks becoming… more Topping out at 10 feet in length, the one-ton leopard seal is Antarctica's top hunter. The leopard seal which is more aggressive and powerful than the cape seal can also kill a blue shark too which might indicate a leopard seal can kill something larger than a penguin. The same is the case with these frogs. e. icy polar waters 3 DISCOVER. As the sea ice melts ever earlier in the season, swimming to escape predators becomes even harder. Leopard seal; Mongoose; The most dangerous animal; Mustelids The mustelids are a family of animals among which are some of the most ferocious and aggressive on the planet. They can grow to 10 feet in length and weigh as much as 1,300 pounds! The sun baking Sea Lion from Antarctica, resting on a Brighton boat ramp. These frogs look extremely beautiful and are an absolute charmer but looks can be deceptive, right? Leopard seals are highly dangerous predators. "It is really hard to say. Nicklen has spent a lot of time working in . People find them harmless because they do not have teeth. It has the capability to kill you so be careful. Read This! Leopard Seal facts - Basics. They are the only seal species that feeds on warm-blooded prey. The leopard seal lives in the cold waters of the Antarctic region, although some young seals travel further north … Leopard seals have attacked researchers and even the swimmers in past. Some animals are too cute for words. The seal on the Mount Main Beach yesterday is a Leopard Seal, a dangerous marine predator known to have attacked and killed humans. Most human perceptions of leopard seals are shaped by historic encounters between humans and leopard seals that occurred during the early days of Antarctic exploration. However, if a polar bear can wound swimming belugas and drag them out of breathing holes, surely they can do better with the lighter leopard seals (at least we can agree on that ). Frog is The Most Poisonous Animal in The World. But watch out they have claws to do the honor. "People think they are smiling, but once they open their mouth and you see their teeth, that's a sign of aggression.". The muzzle, throat and belly are light grey scattered with dark grey and black spots. RELATED ARTICLES You often find elephants as a very calm and innocent animal but dangerous animals they do kill humans whenever they are out of their state of mind. It can be a dangerous endeavor to study leopard seals, and in one case, they have been known to kill humans. While diving in Antarctica on an expedition with the National Geographic Explorer, biologist Lisa Kelly encountered a 13-foot leopard seal. What Animal Kills The Most People? Such incidents have taken place in past where elephants killed innocent human beings even while feeding them. Scientists even say that a loris actually mimics a cobra. It is one of the most formidable and dangerous sea predators. So, just stay careful the next time you have an encounter with them. A beached leopard seal at Durras North on the NSW south coast in 2013. Apart from scientific and research purposes, direct contact between humans and leopard seals is incredibly rare. It was in Ocean Grove for a couple of days resting on the beach.". They are associated with true love. The leopard seals lead solitary lives in the dangerous pack ice of coastal Antarctica, and tend to shy away from humans. "They travel a long way, from the sub-Antarctic, and they need to have a rest or may have had a feed so they are digesting a dinner," she said. If not cooked properly, it can kill you. Leopard seals live in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters of the Southern Hemisphere. "This species in particular is a very, very sophisticated predator.". Even though leopard seals are powerful predators, but they don’t always prey upon penguins. or What are The Deadliest Animals to Human? It refers to the family of true leopard seals and lives in all the Antarctic seas and the Southern Ocean to the boundary of the drifting ice. It is not afraid of humans and is known to try to drag people into the water. There have been some reports of attacks from Leopard Seals on humans while they are in the water. 'Extremely dangerous': Large leopard seal basking on Brighton beach. Topping out at 10 feet in length, the one-ton leopard seal is Antarctica's top hunter. Weight: Males up to 300 kg / females 260 - 500 kg. Police were alerted to a slumbering seal at Brighton Beach this morning.Credit:Victoria Police. So, stay careful while having a swim with them. Cook it the best way possible otherwise it can take away your life from you. The scientific name for the leopard seal is Hydruga leptonyx which literally translates as “small clawed water worker”. This morning, a Town of Cambridge spokeswoman said the seal … These dangerous animals might look cute and funny but it can be really harmful too. "This particular seal, I knew of it from last week, it was at Ocean Grove last Wednesday. This might come as a shock to a lot of people but it is true. In reality, no way. 'He will ambush his prey by waiting in silence at the bottom of the shallow channels that run along the island. Never joke about its abilities because it can kill you in no time. It was also a frosty morning on Tuesday, with a low of 1.9 degrees. "I could see it was a leopard seal ... it was a slightly more unusual case than a normal day," said Mr Keenan, who says they normally get three or four leopard seal sightings a year in Victoria. Humans that observe Leopard Seals, known not to get too close to them due to their aggressive nature. With only two predators themselves, leopard seals are close to the top of the food chain and are known as ferocious hunters. They can take away your life even if they bite you accidentally. Credit:Zoos Victoria. Leopard seals are known to attack the black pontoons of inflatable boats, posing an indirect risk to people. 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