Creature FeatureCreature Feature
Hydrurga leptonyx
Second largest species of seal in the Antarctic
Bulls are 8–10 ft and weigh 440-1,000 lbs Cows are 7-11 ft in length and weigh 500-
1,300 lbs Is a true seal and swims with its hind limbs Has powerful and highly developed
forelimbs similar to sea lions Apex predator Thick layer of blubber
Antarctic's equivalent of the polar bear and is the top predator on the continent
Smaller seals eat krill and small squid; larger seals eat king and emperor penguins
Patrols water near ice Kills the swimming bird by
grabbing the feet Then shakes the penguin
vigorously Beating its body against
the surface of the water repeatedly until the penguin is dead
Listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN
Has not been commercially hunted May be very aggressive towards humans However attacks are very rare
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6wYy-YBkE0