Leopard Seals

Leopard seals are the second largest species of seal found in Antarctica.

It is named for its black spotted coat.These seals are earless.They have long,slender body with with a dark grey back & light grey on their stomach.They have elongated heads & large jaws.Their front teeth are sharp,being a carnivorous.

Like most seals,leopard seals are insulated from frigid waters by thick layer of fat known as blubber.They are fierce predators & also feed on warm blooded prey that are other seals.They use their powerful jaws & long teeth to kill smaller seals,fish,penguin,krill & squid.

These seals are bold,powerful & curious.They aren't vocal though they occasionally grunt & growl.They are solitary creatures & come together in small groups during  breeding season.After a 9 month gestation period,the female digs a hole in the ice & gives birth to a single pup during the Antarctic summer.

Female leopard seals are slightly larger than the males.These seals are 10-11.5feet & weigh 380kgs.They live in frigid Antarctic & sub-antarctic waters.They can be found on the coasts of southern Australia,Tasmania,South Africa & New Zealand.They can live 12-15 years.