Lots of Facts About Leopard Seals

You are not likely to confuse a leopard seal with any other kind of seal. The black-and-white spot pattern resembles the jungle cat and, on a seal that can weigh over 1,000 pounds, the unique markings are readily apparent. The leopard seal is the second largest seal in the world and one of the strongest.

  1. History

    • Scientists believe that the leopard seal once was a land dweller, walking on earth like a lizard. Fossil remains suggest that, over time, the seals spent more time in the water and that their bodies adapted. In modern times, leopard seals' bodies are completely adapted for the water, but the animals retain the ability to maneuver on land as well.

    Description

    • Baby leopard seals take awhile to get their spots.

      A leopard seal is lean and muscular, with an almost reptilian head. The body, at least the throat, is spotted like a leopard, with each seal showing a unique spot pattern. Some patterns blend gray in with black and white. These are big animals--up to 11 feet in length--with males only a little larger than females. Their bodies are streamlined, build for power underwater, and their teeth are large and sharp.

    Excellent Predators

    • Leopard seals are generally loners.

      Leopard seals are formidable predators with front limbs like a sea lion and powerful rear legs that allow powerful movement. They can move through the water very quickly and have excellent smell and vision. Their jaws open to 160 degrees--the only seals to have such a wide opening--which allows them to consume very large prey. Their sharp front teeth rip off flesh and the flat back molars grind it.

    Social Behavior

    • Leopard seals prefer penguins for meals.

      Unlike the chummy piles of seals you see on piers on the California coast, leopard seals live alone or in small groups. Given the fight or flight choice, leopard seals will always choose to stand their ground. They do not attack humans unless provoked, but attacks on people have been documented. The leopard seal will also attack and eat other seals, which makes it unique in the seal family. Their main source of food, however, is penguins. The seals grab penguins by the feet and whack them repeatedly on the water surface to skin them.

    Habitat

    • If you are longing to see a leopard seal, head for Antarctica. Most animals of this species spend summers in the icy Antarctic waters and winters just a little farther north. You might also see them off the coast of New Zealand and Australia.

    Breeding

    • During the mating season, the male leopard seals fight for the females by making loud sounds and acting aggressively. After breeding, however, they do not participate further in parenting. A pregnant female will work alone for many months to dig a hole on land or even in the ice. She will have her one baby in the hole and then take care of it alone. Males may try to kill the young, but the mothers defend them furiously.