Ambushing: Leopard seals often lie in wait for penguins at the edge of the ice floes where the penguins enter the water to hunt for fish. When a penguin jumps into the water, the leopard seal quickly propels itself towards the penguin and uses its powerful jaws to grab it.
Chasing: Leopard seals also actively chase penguins in the water. They use their sleek bodies and efficient swimming abilities to reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Once they catch up to a penguin, they use their sharp teeth to bite and kill it.
Stunning: In some cases, leopard seals may stun or disorient their prey before consuming it. They do this by grasping the penguin in their jaws and rapidly shaking it from side to side. This technique helps subdue the penguin and makes it easier for the leopard seal to eat it.
Handling and Consumption: Once the leopard seal has killed the penguin, it typically handles the carcass with its forelimbs to position it for consumption. They use their sharp canine teeth to tear through the penguin's flesh and devour it. Leopard seals are known to consume the penguin whole, including the bones and feathers, although they may sometimes remove the feathers by rubbing the carcass against the seafloor.
Leopard seals are efficient and opportunistic predators that play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Antarctic ecosystem. While their hunting behaviors can seem brutal to human observers, they are essential for the survival of the leopard seals and the overall function of the Antarctic food web.