Predators:
* Leopard seals: These large, aggressive seals are known to prey on crabeater seals, especially pups and juveniles.
* Orcas (killer whales): Orcas are apex predators and can hunt crabeater seals, although they are not their primary prey.
* Polar bears: While polar bears primarily hunt on land, they can occasionally attack crabeater seals on ice floes.
Other Threats:
* Climate change: Sea ice melt due to climate change is impacting crabeater seals, as they rely on ice floes for breeding, pupping, and resting.
* Fishing gear entanglement: Crabeater seals can become entangled in fishing gear, leading to injury or death.
* Pollution: Pollution from oil spills and other sources can harm crabeater seals.
While these threats can impact crabeater seal populations, they are considered relatively safe from predation compared to other seal species due to their large numbers and their efficient adaptation to krill-eating.