Leopard Seal Dances Around Our Kayak In Antarctica
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- March 18, 2019 - Trinity Island - This gorgeous creature decided to hang out with us right as our kayaking group was being called back to the ship. One of the most magical moments of my life...
Smaug the Leopard Seal
"This should make a nice meal..."
*Girls shower him with compliments*
"Mm yes, I suppose I am quite beautiful, go on..."
Man those things don't eat people lmao
There was a female scientist who was attacked and drowned by a leopard seal in the arctic. Make no mistake they can be very dangerous to people.
@@SoulCrapper yeah but it didn't eat her. It killed her because it took her as a threat. And as I understand it, that's the only documented case of a leopard seal killing a human. They stick to what they like to eat, they aren't like sharks who just devour anything near them. But yes, it would be foolish to think they aren't potentially dangerous.
@@UseADamnCoaster Not exactly there have been several attacks on divers in antarctica considering so few people have even been to antarctica. Luckily most people who been attacked have fended them off before it got too serious really. So yes they are dangerous creatures in the water let's not suger cost that fact.
@@UseADamnCoastersharks don’t just devour anything near them why are you spreading false information 💀
Looking at how majestic seals move in water really make me understand how much irish celtic ancestors believed in Selkies. They are just magical creatures!
Yessss totally agree!!! ❤️
@Acceleration Quanta True
It's a beautiful animal, but also very powerful and formidable. It didn't behave as though it was hunting, though.
Right, just...'curious'!
u wnted my gameboy
Leopard seals don’t attack humans. They are usually very curious with humans and have even shown behavior as if they are trying to teach divers to hunt.
@@DC-bx8ww Yes they do. They are the only dangerous predator that researches in Antarctica must actively avoid. If there are leopard seals spotted in the area dives are postponed.
A researcher was attacked, killed and dragged into the depths by two leopard seals while diving at a research station in Antarctica.
They are beautiful, obviously, but dangerous, and will hunt humans under the right circumstances.
Peace in the oceans
Imagine how disappointed that Seal was when it turned out to be humans and not penguins.
Or fur seals.
Leopard seals don't really give a fuck when it comes to that they'll kill humans with 0 hesitation
@@russian_knight nah bro orcas sense something then go for that mf
“they gonna burn out the antarctic more if you kill more of them man!”
@@kimkyja Then the Sperm Whales arrive and then they fuck up the orcas.
@@zeal9442 orcas are apex predators though, so sperm whales dont kill them
Yeah, they're a large and potentially dangerous animal, but they are also pretty smart, I mean, it's a seal, so though they're solitary predators with ferocity, they're bound to be at least somewhat inquisitive creatures.
Leopard seals got their GLOCK GLOCK GLOCK thing they do when they're aggravated, and if I remember correctly, blowing a ton of bubbles is also another behavior that should be taken as a warning.
If I'm gonna assume, I'll say that this leopard seal wasn't feeling threatened, and was also curious. Leopard seals don't actually HUNT humans, so I doubt that'd be it either. Plus, maybe I can't be certain if this was the case here, but because of so many animals with tummy exposin' behaviors, this seal being willing to have its belly up when swimming under the kayak is something I'd consider a positive sign of peaceful vibin'.
If I was ever in a similar situation, I'd probably be overcome with emotion too. They're fascinating animals to even simply look at in pictures and film. Not a lot of people get to see them up close. Even fewer get to exchange a peaceful interaction.
Thank you for your beautiful comment! :) Yeah we actually encountered an aggressive leopard seal toward the end of the trip and the seal stayed and swam around the zodiac even after we had exited for our hike. It would lift its body out of the water as a threatening gesture -- totally different behavior and vibe, just like people haha! Yes we felt incredibly lucky to have an interaction like this... especially because it didn't seem like there was ANY wildlife under the ice in the location we were at. So glad you can appreciate the beauty of these creatures as well.
One of these recently attacked three swimmers in South Africa, almost killing one of them. The guy is a BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) master and his account of the vicious attack, is scary.
Leopard seals in popular media: VICIOUS, PENGUIN MURDERING NIGHTMARES THAT WILL EAT YOU
Leopard seals in reality: just big ol' seals who would rather eat a penguin than you
@@angelbloodshinra As a matter of fact, one thought a Nat Geo photographer (Paul Nicklen) would rather eat a penguin, then tried feeding him one. Then an injured one. Then a dead one.
"I'm _trying_ to _feed_ you. Why can't you hunt?"
@@wrestlingterrier8366 does bjj help with underwater grappling a 500 to 1100 pound predator with massive teeth?
Leopard Seals have attacked and killed people. Honestly this encounter would terrify me. But hearing the woman become emotion during the video was touching. I'm sure this creature could sense her kindness.
Very rare and there has only ever been one recorded death from an encounter with a Leopard Seal.
@@Wolfitos it's not rare here on TH-cam... I just saw a video of one taking out a whole raft
@@SteveinSanFrancisco sure you did
I feel like this woman is the definition of a tourist the kind that ends up being found in a trash can within a week of separation from where they're supposed to be I want to be happy and revel in the innocence of it all but all that really is as naive ignorance that can get people killed so if being a cynical killjoy keeps me alive that's all that really matters then again it can make things boring but I prefer to use it as a first defense so I can still enjoy the crazy s*** in the world
Yup, I rather have a great white instead 🙄
Its always fascinating that most marine mammals find humans as very interesting instead of fear or prey. I imagine its partially due to intelligence = curiosity and that they didnt evolve with enough human contact to register us as prey or predator.
I suposse we do move/look like something completely alien to them in the water, completely unadepted to water.
Must be a confusing sight xD
It’s always fascinating how much humans dickride marine mammals
@@ladybug1601 what makes you say that?
@@thesaviorofsouls5210 The dickriding.
@@LingLingFromQLD whats implied with dickriding
The definition of too close for comfort.
A once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. But they should be considered lucky it was not an aggressive mood it looks like it was in a playful mood at least. Plus sending out good vibes not fear helps.
I'm not sure they can sense vibes but it may have already been eating so it was just curious. But Leopard seals are dangerous let's not suger coat that anyways.
Ngl, I think I’d genuinely be less terrified if it was a great white shark swimming around me instead. Leopard seals are scary as fuck
Hard to say which would scare me more! Love them both but don't need to see them THAT close!!
Now THAT’S dancing with the stars! Also... he’s HUGE, holy cow!
I know!! Almost as big as the kayak!! That’s why we think she’s female, they tend to be bigger than males ;)
@@elorahhh At a guess, I'd say it is a male one; despite the size.
Leopard seals usually go 13ft, so yeah, iz a big boi
that’s what she said
@@elorahhh not to mention dangerous to humans and penguins alike.
I would be so scared!
"Did you see it's eyes?" Yes I did and these things always look sinister to me. Love your optimism though.
I saw two things at once: beauty and terror.
"A little dance before meal increases appetite", the seal mumbles
It behaves like a cat
Haha yeah they’re so sleek and graceful in the water :) She reminded me of like a dog/cat/snake
The seal knew it was being photographed & thought “lemme show off for a bit.” 😏😂
OP conflating comments saying they're scared with "hate" is very odd. Its completely normal to express fear in this situation. I would have be terrified - Leopard seals, while beautiful, are not pets. Rightfully fearing an apex predator in a situation where it could literally leap up and drown you in an instant isn't hate, its giving due respect to the nature and power of said animal.
Regardless I'm glad OP had a pleasant experience and we got this wonderful footage
I could smell the fear from myself watching this thinking that seal could literally do anything and that kayak and occupant of said kayak is never seen again. That said I am in love with how flawless these animals are
It's fascinating to see it glide away into the dark water so smoothly, and when I see it's long rear body without the front flippers being in view, I can't help but think of all the prehistoric creatures that once occupied the oceans that would've also have that sleek body shape, cutting through the water effortlessly.
A truly beautiful and profound encounter. Thanks so much for sharing 💙🦭
I would be excited and terrified at the same time knowing how ferocious leopard seals are.
You must be thinking of fur seals
That's so beautiful that you get to experience this !!!
I think leopard seals are beautiful too. What an amazing encounter ❤.
that is a bone-crushing apex predator. if it wanted you dead, you would be.
always best to keep calm near leopard seals as best you can, and slowly get to land
I think he's happy for some company.
The dance of death, leopard seals can be fierce predators. Cool experience you have shared, thank you. Very beautiful.
Those two were fortunate beyond comprehension that that seal was in a curious/playful mood. All seals are intelligent, curious, and like to play, but 99% of species don't have the solitary nature and hair-trigger temper of the leopard seals.
..I've only seen hypotheses of how powerful their jaws are...😰
They can definitely crush human bones no problem.
There have been a few attacks and deaths by leopard seals on humans.
It's not an animal, I would test. Nor would I ever turn by back to it.
You have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about do you? Haha
wow! it's so beatiful! thank you for amazing video!
Amazing camera work! What an experience
Girls: *cries in beautiful*
Most people: ma’am, please stop encouraging the antarctic mosasaur
He’s beautiful and perfectly capable of tearing all of you to shreds
They are my favourite animal though
The ending cuts off as the Jaws theme (seal alternative) starts playing, we never see these brave kayakers again. RIP.
What a fantastic privillege! - would never get to see them without YT videos like this. 😂😂😂😂
murder sea doggy wants to say hi
That Leapord Seal is trying to figure out how to "play" with them. And by play, I mean, loveingly drowned them. He was giving that side eye of sinister intent😂😂😂 He is gorgeous though❤❤
These ppl clearly had no clue how dangerous that creature is..
Beautiful and dangerous.
You are in its natural element.
My dumbass would have considered risking it all to pet the seal.
ah, leopard seals. everyone thinks they're so cute and beautiful until you realize they're basically the tiger sharks of the arctic
Thats like the most dangerous animal in that region, i'd poop my pants .
Hoomans: Soooo Sweeet 😻 Seal: Can I eat this thing?
Leopard Seal: Nice, found an easy target-Wait, oh, it’s one of those immortal “Camera guys” man…
I can't believe how incredible this is! What an amazing encounter with a truly beautiful and misunderstood animal. Leopard seals are my favourite type of seal, and seeing such a creature just peacefully swimming and vibing curiously around your kayak with no trace of aggression is breathtaking. (And tbh it did bring a tear to my eye! Haha.)
Thank you for uploading this. 💗
Misunderstood? Lol
It appears most people just respect it enough to have a healthy fear/caution of it’s abilities.
It had already eaten most likely, but it's the most dangerous seals out there and have killed people before.
@@21sparrow7 the need to Didney-fi wild animals is real. Fur = friend for some who had sheltered childhood pet experiences.
“Remember dumplings, I know where you live.”
Leopard Seal: Why are you way up there? The water is great!
We have the polar bear of the North Pole and the leopard seal of the South Pole. Two apex predators built for the ice and sea.
Leopard Seal: Antarctica's Snakes, Cute but Dangerous.
I’m just glad it wasn’t aggressive.
Leopard Seal “Hello tasty little sausage”
"They are beautiful!" (YET DANGEROUS!!!)
Must have been exciting and terrifying at the same time
Bruh I'd die...I was a bit freaked out when river otters were bumping my kayak. I cant imagine how awesome/terrifying it would be to experience a large predator up close like that.
Gods, I’m soooooo glad that he was just playfully curious 😭😭😭😭 I would have been shitting bricks, telling him he’s pretty, and begging him not to think I looked like a meal 😭😭😭😭 OMG he was so big!!
I fully admit to (jokingly) being one of those people that’s all “if not friend, why friend-shaped?” and I adore seals in general (thank you Denver Zoo) but leopard seals hardcore make my butt pucker tight enough to crap diamonds 😨
Put a picture of a leopard seal in your bathroom, pretty soon you'll be a millionaire
He doesn't get many new things in his environment. He must be facinated like you or I seeing an alien. It is pretty much ice and fish.
Seal was beautiful for sure but let give it the real mvp who paddled all the way to Antarctic who got us this footage
When it figures out it can flip that canoe..."Awww" is replaced with "Ahhhh" and then it's 'found footage.'
As an animal and nature lover, I get that they are looking at the beauty of nature and a beautiful animal, but that is a VERY dangerous situation.
Many animal lovers die every year, many are delusional and don't realise how dangerous some situations truly are, they falsely personify very primitive and wild animals in their mind to be peaceful and understanding, it results in a lot of deaths. This girl on this video isn't the worst case example however, the worst case examples are those guys who swim with great white sharks, or who try to live with grizzly bears or lions, those guys usually don't last very long.
No, it isn't. Don't be ridiculous. If it was that dangerous, they wouldn't let anybody go through that area on boats of any kind. These people were in kayaks and just think of how many people go there on kayaks without getting harmed at all.
It's silly people like you spreading misinformation that deprives these animals and their habitat of much needed understanding and support.
Some people actually dive with leopard seals. Just like some people dive with sharks. I don't know what battle you are trying to wage here...
@@patronsaintofpoison You clearly know nothing about leopard seals, Jon Snow. Go educate yourself and try again. Go look at how big those mouths are. Go look at those teeth. Go look at how HUGE they are. They are not friendly little harbor seals to frolic with; they are an APEX PREDATOR and should be respected as such.
Two people in a kayak is more than easy prey for a leopard seal in aggressive mode and they are super lucky that he wasn’t.
@@patronsaintofpoison It's not dangerous to go skydiving without a parachute either, it's splatting on the ground that is dangerous.
As I watch this, I keep thinking of that scene near the end of the movie of the hungry Grizzly Bear's diving for salmon in Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man."
I saw the video you were suggesting commentors to watch to understand leopard seals better. Amazing how the seal kept trying to feed the photographer penguins! Although the ending made me think it highly depends on the seal you're encountering with. One seal was trying to feed the diver penguins and being friendly and the other behind him was thinking about killing him. Luckily the first seal was protective! Truly breath taking animals.
Awww yay! There's so much leopard seal hate on here, glad you enjoyed it :) You're so right too, it really depends on who you're encountering. We also came across a more aggressive leopard seal who kept popping out of the water at our zodiac driver when she parked the boat. Both animals had entirely different vibes. The same can be said about humans too though -- we're all different, depending on the day even haha!
yup, they’re smart enough to have personalities, they pass into the smart club
I just adore them, they are maybe the most unique creature I've ever seen. Would be worth raising an orphan in human care so that we could learn more about them.
Reminds me of that scene with the shrieking eels from Princess Bride.
The sea is a terrifying place.
best video ever, so much love i envy you so much ahhahahaah
Awwww thank you so much for watching!!
I’d be terrified to be in that situation. A tiny, one-man boat that can easily topple over? Nah. Gimme a larger, wider ship with a solid steel hull and a deck a few feet above the water’s surface, and then I could watch the seal.
There's two people in those kayaks. Watch the number of paddles... and the other boat in the vid has 2
She is like bitiful pls don’t bite me at your lunch😆
Absolutely beautiful creatures
It’s ridiculous how cute she sounds. That’s a terrifying animal that will eat and/or drown you
“He’s putting on a show!”
No lady, he’s trying to figure out how to eat you.😮
He’s was deciding whether or not to eat you for sure, your lucky to be alive
This was incredible thank you for sharing it
I wonder if the leopard seal is swimming around the kayak out of curiosity or is she trying to find a way to take down her next meal? They swim so graceful though.
wow he seems so proud of himself lmao
showing off
Incredible footage!
Lmaoo homie was buttering up his lunch
Truly majestic, the leopard seal is😍
It is a seal
But a danger seal.. They aren't harmless at all but I think that you weren't scared of it but excited to see that water danger Chonk is what protected you and made it maybe happy too
Nah seal won’t necessarily eat something that’s way larger or almost as size of them unless they are extremely hungry they just curious about human
@@user-fy8lq1nv4o yeah they like
tf is that?
aliens?
nah bro i dont mess with them saucers i better just scout
They really aren't chonky though, they are bizarrely slender and serpentine
Man that's scary. Especially when you're so far from "land" and it's freezing as fuck water.
Imagine what would happen if the woman was wearing a tuxedo😂😂😂
What a fantastic experience
He’s lookin for that dam dancing penguin
She reacts how I'd react if I saw a seal hosting a game of Three-card Monte.
This is like weeping at the “beauty” of a giant white shark, or the angels of death at the end of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Leopard seals are incredibly dangerous and not to be considered friends for what looks like a graceful “buzzing” of your flimsy kayaks.
Wow. What a awesome Vid. Scary. but awesome. 😬😂
Completely oblivious to the danger of the situation.
Beautiful
And the Darwin Award goes to... Missed by chance. Next time maybe 🤔😉
Leopard Seal
- Apex predator
- Males: 2,8m - 320Kg
- Females: 3m - 370Kg
And, they might reach about 3,5 meters long and 500Kg
It's beautiful and sweet but it looks like a snake like seemonster damn...
tours guides: "ok there's a leopard seal out there, we gotta bring them back in"
them: "oh look honey, a leopard seal! let's stay out a little while longer"
That Leopard Seal is technically still a pup, it’s first time seeing a boat and being curious or it’s confused the boat for a female and doing a mating dance
The most terrifying of all the Sea-Puppy Species.
That’s not a sea puppy, that’s a sea wolf/bear
@@YodaOnABender Nah, they're just what their name says: sea leopard. They even have kinda more catty faces compared to say, a harbor seal or sea lion, both of which are popular in the "sea pupper" meme.
Although scary it's important to remember leopard seals cannot chew their food and literally have to throw a penguin around with force in order to break it open and get at the insides. Although I have no doubt it's capable I similarly doubt a leopard seal would ever try it with a human.
This gal is a Darwin Award winner. Evolution weeds out those who think predators are cute.
She's a tlrich lady enjoying her day in the most expensive place in the world. Whatever endding; shell be ok (I may be going too far Irish with that one, but honestly either way she's got not worries).
Very interesting reaction from the woman.
While Leopard Seals are beautiful they are also 450 - 1300 lbs of top predator that is known to be aggressive and territorial.
I'm sure they don't hunt humans as a food source but they've been known to attack a person and a researcher was killed by one while snorkeling in Antarctic waters, which is where this kayak encounter was filmed.
Great White Shark vs. Leopard Seal
@@Mognezun71 I'm sure there is no danger of Leopard Seals hunting humans as a food source.
Leopard seals are similar to other apex predators like sharks or wolves that are tragically misunderstood. In fact, here's a video of a photographer's beautiful encounter with one of these creatures where he discusses just that. th-cam.com/video/UmVWGvO8Yhk/w-d-xo.html The snorkeler you mentioned is the only known person to be killed by a leopard seal. Yes, they can be territorial and of course they're wild and unpredictable so it's definitely important to be alert and exercise caution, but I believe there's something to be said about animals sensing the energy of the humans around them. We stayed calm, showed no fear, projected love and curiosity, and the seal picked up on that openness of energy and decided we'd be fun to play with :)
@@elorahhh like dogs, horses or other animals I can't think of.
@@Mognezun71 I think a leopard seal wouldn't even have a chance if he faught against a bull, or tiger shark
it's like a Liopleurodon if it was a mammal
They look cute but they are so dangerous.....and sitting in that tiny kayak where a tiny bump could knock you over????!!! NO thank you. Beautiful but oh my gosh I'd b terrified
Hey there! I love this video and I'm sure my viewers would too, I was wondering if it'd be okay for me to use this in a compilation of interesting sea creature videos? Naturally I'd give credit and link your original upload here! Really amazing footage, well done :)
Hey of course you can use it, thank you so much! Haha yeah we got really lucky it was so bright that day I had no idea it would turn out. Glad you appreciate the video! :)
@@elorahhh Thanks so much!! :)
I love that seal
That is a very dangerous piece of fried shrimp, most other seals I’d agree are very sweet when they actually come to interact with you but this one? No shot.
That is an apex predator that is likely looking for a meal and I probably am suspiciously penguin shaped.
I watched on TV where a leopard seal caught a penguin and gave it to a scuba diver.
Wow!! What incredible amazing vibe that you are projecting to the universe! She is receiving your message there and decide to share her energy with you as an interchange of good vibes. Awesome footage! Thanks for sharing!
Awwww thank you ✨🙏✨ Yessss so much gratitude and love to the magic of nature!! Project what you’d like to receive 💖 Love that you have a similar perspective :)
That seal was not receiving any message or good vibes, it was seeing if it could kill them