Main Content
Leopard seals, named for their spotted coats, are one of the primary predators of Antarctica.
Photograph by John Eastcott and Yva Momatiuk
Map
Leopard Seal Range
Fast Facts
- Type:
- Mammal
- Diet:
- Carnivore
- Average life span in the wild:
- 12 to 15 years
- Size:
- 10 to 11.5 ft (3 to 3.5 m)
- Weight:
- Up to 840 lbs (380 kg)
- Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:
-
The leopard seal is named for its black-spotted coat. The pattern is similar to that of the famous big cat, though the seal's coat is gray rather than golden in color. This seal is sometimes called the sea leopard, and the resemblance is more than skin deep. Like their feline namesakes, leopard seals are fierce predators. They are the most formidable hunters of all the seals and the only ones that feed on warm-blooded prey, such as other seals. 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. They may also come up beneath seabirds resting on the water surface and snatch them in their jaws.
Shellfish are a far less dramatic prey but still an important part of the leopard seal's diet.
Leopard seals are earless seals. They have long bodies (10 to 11.5 feet/3 to 3.5 meters) and elongated heads. Like most other seals, leopard seals are insulated from frigid waters by a thick layer of fat known as blubber.
Though the leopard seal is known for its coat, it has not been commercially hunted for its skin like its fur seal relatives.
More Seals and Sea Lions
Mammal Features
-
In Hot Pursuit
They’re rarely seen. Even less often photographed. Bryde’s whales rocket through Pacific shallows to gorge on fish. Dive in for more.
-
Amazon Dolphins
Amazon dolphins bear little resemblance to our beloved Flipper. How'd they get to the Amazon—and why are the males pink?
-
Lions Quiz
The king of cats rules with a roar and a fierce bite. What else do you know about this top predator?
-
Isn't She Lovely
From across the vast and parched Arabian Peninsula, camels converge on Abu Dhabi for an annual beauty contest. Here the traditional beast of burden becomes a pampered show animal.
-
My Shot Dogs Infinite Photograph
Explore this photo mosaic made up of hundreds of My Shot Dogs entries. Keep clicking—and dive deeper into the Infinite Photograph.
This requires the latest version of Flash Player. Click here to download.Advertisement
Special Ad Section
-
Audio Slideshow
Take a photographic journey through Montana and hear Annie Griffiths Belt's narrative.
-
Adventure Videos
Check out adventure videos and go "Behind the Lens."
Shop Animals and Nature
-
Animal & Nature DVDs
Shop our store for a wide collection of animal, wildlife, and nature DVDs.
-
2010 Animal & Nature Calendars
Featuring stunning National Geographic photography, calendars make great gifts.
Blogs
-
NatGeo NewsWatch
Keep current on developments in science, nature, and cultures.
-
Dog Whisperer
Get the inside story as Cesar Millan helps problem dogs and their owners.
-
BlogWild
National Geographic explorers share tales (and photos) of their adventures.
