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