How do seals attack?
Their sharp canines and incisors are used to grab and tear large prey, whereas the molars are a trident shape and are used like a sieve to filter out water when they catch mouthfuls of smaller prey like krill. Leopard seals are agile swimmers but less graceful on land.
How does Northern elephant seal protect itself?
Aggression. As a last resort when grabbed by a predator, seals will bite and thrash to defend themselves. In the case of male seals, such as elephant seals protecting a territory from competing males, the two will battle by biting and slamming their necks against each other.
Do leopard seals attack sharks?
While it would seem logical that a shark would take on a seal when competing for food, apparently Cape fur seals can turn the tables on their more ferocious foes at times. Researchers believe that the seals may attack sharks to reduce competition in the ocean for food.
What do leopard seals do?
Leopard seals use their powerful jaws and long teeth to kill smaller seals, fish, and squid. These effective predators live in frigid Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, where they also eat penguins. They often wait underwater near an ice shelf and snare the birds just as they enter the water after jumping off the ice.
How are seals able to protect themselves from predators?
Seals protect themselves from predators by propelling through the water when predators threaten them. With their streamlined bodies, sensitive ears and strong flippers, seals can detect predators and swim at high speeds to escape an attack. Seals also have sharp teeth and powerful jaws that come in handy when fighting off predators.
How are leopard seals protected in the UK?
Leopard seals are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. DOC records all sighting and incident information in the National Marine Mammal Database. This adds to the pool of information that is available for this species. Report sightings of leopard seals
What kind of animals does a leopard seal eat?
Leopard seals prey on a variety of species, including krill, penguins, birds, fish, seals and cephalopods. It is likely that they are opportunistic in that they prey on whatever is readily available.
How does an elephant seal defend its territory?
As a last resort when grabbed by a predator, seals will bite and thrash to defend themselves. In the case of male seals, such as elephant seals protecting a territory from competing males, the two will battle by biting and slamming their necks against each other.