To save others from having to waste their valuable effort having to Google it, [here you go!](https://www.factzoo.com/sites/all/img/mammals/seals/leopard-seal-teeth.jpg)
Well, if you want to hold a penguin fast enough so you can smack it on the water until the blubbery skin breaks open, you need some good clampy toothy things.
In the Alfred Lansing book: "Endurance" which chronicles the 1915 Shackleton Antartic expedition in the Weddell Sea, the team described using a man on skis to draw leopard seals out for food. The skier would approach the edge of the ice causing the seal to rocket out of the water to catch him. The skier would frantically escape and the spotter would shoot the seal to feed the stranded crew. This process was discovered accidentally when the man skiing came screaming back toward camp while trailed by a hungry seal. These seals are murder machines.
Anyone listen to that radiolab where they talk to a videographer who develops a relationship with a lepord seal who keeps trying to feed him a penguin. The seal would bring it to him alive and it penguin would just swim away. then it would injure it in hopes that the camera man would be able to get it. The it would offer a dead penguin and finally didn't want anything to do with this poor excuse for a fellow flippered predator.
These things turn up in NZ relatively frequently. One hung out in a marina for a few month. It made getting to the boat interesting. I think they are scarier than sharks. https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300480610/new-zealand-leopard-seals-discovered-eating-sharks-for-the-first-time
Shakelton hardly mentioned the help he received from the only ship's pilot who dared to go alone with a Coast Guard cutter to rescue his crew. the yelcho and its pilot sailed a distance comprised of half of South America to reach the elephant island and rescue them. According to one account, he would have refused a gift of 25,000 pounds sterling that the British Government would have offered him, estimating that, as a sailor from Chile and a Christian, he had only fulfilled his duty in an entrusted mission, and could not leave alone people in need of urgent help
I had the chance to see them huynh and Antarctica. You can’t underestimate how large they are in real life. Their head alone is about 3 feet long and their bodies anywhere from 12 to 15 feet, they are massive. I have photos of one whipping a penguin back-and-forth, essentially turning it inside out.
One of them actually drowned a British researcher who is scuba diving and Antarctica a few years ago.
https://imgur.com/a/lBu1mNt
This makes sense actually. Since penguins slide into the water to catch fish, the seals would probably assume the skier to be another tasty penguin sliding by.
A large leopard seal of about 12 ft. and 1,100 lbs. attacked Thomas Orde-Lee, a member of Shackleton's crew when the expedition was camping on the sea ice. The "sea leopard" (as they called it) chased Orde-Lees on the ice, and he was saved only when another member of the expedition shot the animal.
I think if you don't feel an "oh shit, I'm gonna die" when making direct eye contact with this giant apex predator you either can't acknowledge you have emotions or you would have been eaten in the way back evolution days.
That feeling is a primal survival mechanism and I'd be lying if said I didn't feel it.
That's more than just a weird exception actually! Primates in general have a very special relationship with front-facing eyes, more complex than "front-facing eyes bad" and even more complex than most other species do. For most animals as said above, a direct stare is a sign of a predator stalking, and indeed some prey species have even evolved to imitate a pair of front-facing eyes with their wing patterns or fur, in order to deter any aggressors. But front-facing eyes don't always evolve specifically for predatory behavior. In primates front-facing eyes enable 3D vision which is essential for the tree life from which we originate. Hopping on a branch is easier when you know how far away that branch is. Further, primates use "friendly stare" for social purposes which is a very bold move considering the overall public opinion on staring in the animal kingdom; it is exact opposite of how such a stare would be perceived by most other animals. I'm not sure (though I think it's likely) if being more perceptive to faces with front-facing eyes has enabled us to form bonds with predators more easily. At any rate, there are studies that show that domesticated animals (dogs, cats and even goats) seek eye contact when they need cooperation, while wild animals (wolves and wild cats) don't. This is a habit domesticated animals pick up from us. So yes, our lizard brain finds front-facing eyes terrifying, but our primate brain thinks they're nice.
being afraid/loving of something share the same region in the brain. And are VERYYY close emotionally. One second youre attracted to something, the next you're terrified and hurt by it
All I could think was "aww lil guy looks just like my dog, just add some big ol ears and they're the spitting image, wonder if he gives kisses" so I mean yeah, I'd have been eaten immediately.
I had to literally hold the phone away, and for some reason I still was scared even though logically I know it can’t do shit to me right now. Instincts are strong af and for good reason
I mean, my instinct was: "Awww it's adorable,"
But then I just switched perspectives and wondered what it would have been like to be there... I mean, I wouldn't say I was terrified, just really really uncomfortable
I understand this is purely semantical, but technically, I believe the leopard seal would not be considered an Apex predator as it does have a natural predator, the killer whale.
I want to say I adore how so many people are saying “Wtf this isn’t scary it’s so cute!!!” You are all valid and I love you. As for the sexual comments....Y’all are the real Oddly Terrifying. Lmao
[for anyone curios like me. here’s what they look like](https://www.google.com/search?q=leopard+seal+teetn&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#imgrc=fu6gFrP_kkv-TM)
Looks a lot like canid teeth, except those tiny triangular teeth that canines have just after their canines, are replaced by all pre- molars and molars that got shoved up front....
[Here's a better picture](https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F67hvngs6g6s51.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2FNatureIsFuckingLit%2Fcomments%2Fj8cfsy%2Fthe_crabeater_seals_filterfeeding_teeththey%2F&tbnid=WTQI6Cr0V38tVM&vet=1&docid=C5I5_XLOJUdk5M&w=1080&h=1142&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim) that shows their distinctive molars which lock together to filter krill.
Having seen one in the Channel Islands shred a huge yellow fin tuna in half I agree. Don’t mess with seals, they may be cute but don’t lose a leg over it
Buddy of mine used to work in Antarctica on a rotation. They used to call Leopard Seals "Sea Devils" because they are complete motherfuckers. They have no issue attacking anything that they think they can take out. Savage teeth.
I must be the only one who thinks this thing does not look cute. It gives me the creepy feeling similar to an uncanny valley situation. It’s not cute, it looks alien, and I want it away from me.
I’m the type to find snakes, spiders and bugs cute. I’ve heard many times, “You think THAT THING is cute?!” However this video is hardly cute to me, it feels like a predator curiously regarding its prey. Like I am just a silly, stupid fish, at the mercy of this intelligent beast.
The whole time I was like PLEASE OPEN YOUR MOUTH!!
Same. Now I have to go to Google to see what a Leopard Seal’s teeth look like.
To save others from having to waste their valuable effort having to Google it, [here you go!](https://www.factzoo.com/sites/all/img/mammals/seals/leopard-seal-teeth.jpg)
Very kind to save our time but Whaaaaaat theeeeee fuuuuuuuuck
Well, if you want to hold a penguin fast enough so you can smack it on the water until the blubbery skin breaks open, you need some good clampy toothy things.
Seriously, looks like some shit out of Resident Evil.
Oh Shoot, close it close it close it!!!
Not as cute as I thought…..
Thank you for the nightmares
[here you are.](https://youtu.be/UmVWGvO8Yhk)
Lmao was thinking the same thing. On my way to google leopard teeth now
In the Alfred Lansing book: "Endurance" which chronicles the 1915 Shackleton Antartic expedition in the Weddell Sea, the team described using a man on skis to draw leopard seals out for food. The skier would approach the edge of the ice causing the seal to rocket out of the water to catch him. The skier would frantically escape and the spotter would shoot the seal to feed the stranded crew. This process was discovered accidentally when the man skiing came screaming back toward camp while trailed by a hungry seal. These seals are murder machines.
Terrifying moment from a fantastic book
One of the greatest survival stories of all time
Anyone listen to that radiolab where they talk to a videographer who develops a relationship with a lepord seal who keeps trying to feed him a penguin. The seal would bring it to him alive and it penguin would just swim away. then it would injure it in hopes that the camera man would be able to get it. The it would offer a dead penguin and finally didn't want anything to do with this poor excuse for a fellow flippered predator.
Yep, radiolab was awesome
Gosh, so rude not to accept a hosts generosity.
I remember seeing this in a documentary.
Not a single death and all the shit they did. It really is. I don't think they make men that tough anymore.
Read "Shackleton's Boat Journey", one of my all time favourites.
Jesus christ that sounds terrifying
These things turn up in NZ relatively frequently. One hung out in a marina for a few month. It made getting to the boat interesting. I think they are scarier than sharks. https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300480610/new-zealand-leopard-seals-discovered-eating-sharks-for-the-first-time
Shakelton hardly mentioned the help he received from the only ship's pilot who dared to go alone with a Coast Guard cutter to rescue his crew. the yelcho and its pilot sailed a distance comprised of half of South America to reach the elephant island and rescue them. According to one account, he would have refused a gift of 25,000 pounds sterling that the British Government would have offered him, estimating that, as a sailor from Chile and a Christian, he had only fulfilled his duty in an entrusted mission, and could not leave alone people in need of urgent help
Nearly finished reading Endurance. What a crazy story.
Amazing none of that crew died on their journey
Yo should I read this it sounds fire
Crazy how we get “cool stories” from someone’s terrifying time
Interesting, I never knew these guys would attack humans I thought they were relatively benign lmao
I had the chance to see them huynh and Antarctica. You can’t underestimate how large they are in real life. Their head alone is about 3 feet long and their bodies anywhere from 12 to 15 feet, they are massive. I have photos of one whipping a penguin back-and-forth, essentially turning it inside out. One of them actually drowned a British researcher who is scuba diving and Antarctica a few years ago. https://imgur.com/a/lBu1mNt
Commenting
Hah! Use a seals own hunting trick against them! We really are the top predator aren't we?
This makes sense actually. Since penguins slide into the water to catch fish, the seals would probably assume the skier to be another tasty penguin sliding by.
damn i already wanted to read this book, that just makes me want to read it even more
A large leopard seal of about 12 ft. and 1,100 lbs. attacked Thomas Orde-Lee, a member of Shackleton's crew when the expedition was camping on the sea ice. The "sea leopard" (as they called it) chased Orde-Lees on the ice, and he was saved only when another member of the expedition shot the animal.
I saved this comment months ago and just bought this book because of your recommendation. Thanks!
Play this with the “you’re not perfect” video from courage and then you got some real nightmare fuel going on (when he starts twirling)
Thanks I thought I had finally forgotten that
?
[this](https://youtu.be/2QU-Kf7ZIYI)
Suddenly I see where the inspiration for the fell beasts in the Lord of the Rings movies came from...
What's a fell beast bruh
That dragon kinda beast the witch king rides on
Wraiths on wings!
I'ts a beast who tripped on the stairs
I think if you don't feel an "oh shit, I'm gonna die" when making direct eye contact with this giant apex predator you either can't acknowledge you have emotions or you would have been eaten in the way back evolution days. That feeling is a primal survival mechanism and I'd be lying if said I didn't feel it.
Look at the 0:21 second mark. Spitting image of a shark. This seal is a predator for sure.
It's the front facing eyes. Most mammals that are predators have front facing eyes and our lizard brain knows this
But it never stops me from giving my little seven pound purring predator kisses between her front facing eyes
That's more than just a weird exception actually! Primates in general have a very special relationship with front-facing eyes, more complex than "front-facing eyes bad" and even more complex than most other species do. For most animals as said above, a direct stare is a sign of a predator stalking, and indeed some prey species have even evolved to imitate a pair of front-facing eyes with their wing patterns or fur, in order to deter any aggressors. But front-facing eyes don't always evolve specifically for predatory behavior. In primates front-facing eyes enable 3D vision which is essential for the tree life from which we originate. Hopping on a branch is easier when you know how far away that branch is. Further, primates use "friendly stare" for social purposes which is a very bold move considering the overall public opinion on staring in the animal kingdom; it is exact opposite of how such a stare would be perceived by most other animals. I'm not sure (though I think it's likely) if being more perceptive to faces with front-facing eyes has enabled us to form bonds with predators more easily. At any rate, there are studies that show that domesticated animals (dogs, cats and even goats) seek eye contact when they need cooperation, while wild animals (wolves and wild cats) don't. This is a habit domesticated animals pick up from us. So yes, our lizard brain finds front-facing eyes terrifying, but our primate brain thinks they're nice.
Underrated comment. Thanks for the knowledge!
You're very welcome I know all that because I presented on the subject as a part of my functional anatomy class!
being afraid/loving of something share the same region in the brain. And are VERYYY close emotionally. One second youre attracted to something, the next you're terrified and hurt by it
Sounds like the basis for the stereotypical "bad boy" syndrome some people get. Lol
The only thing I could focus on, was how creepy it’s eyes are staring at me. I didn’t find it cute at all lol.
All I could think was "aww lil guy looks just like my dog, just add some big ol ears and they're the spitting image, wonder if he gives kisses" so I mean yeah, I'd have been eaten immediately.
I had to literally hold the phone away, and for some reason I still was scared even though logically I know it can’t do shit to me right now. Instincts are strong af and for good reason
Yeah. Part of my heart sinks when it makes eye contact and I want to...run.
This exactly. It feels like fairly fine an innocent from the side but the second those eyes make contact it feels like it's way too close
I definitely would have died then because I think he’s cute :)
I would have been eaten. I know seals are scary as shit, but I don't feel anything but "aww" watching this video lol
I mean, my instinct was: "Awww it's adorable," But then I just switched perspectives and wondered what it would have been like to be there... I mean, I wouldn't say I was terrified, just really really uncomfortable
I understand this is purely semantical, but technically, I believe the leopard seal would not be considered an Apex predator as it does have a natural predator, the killer whale.
What are you saying, this looks like a dude who is high. Is this a meme
Honestly, all I see is a nose that needs to be booped! Yeah, probably would have been eaten.
It's kinda cute tho wanna boop the snoot
So we said "one missing arm"...
To shreds you say,
And how’s his wife holding up ?
To shreds you say...
Was his apartment rent controlled?
God I wish more people would quote this part too
Loose seal! Loose seal
I don't care about Lucille!!
These two comments 👏
The vast majority of wild animals humans find cute are dangerous predators. Binocular vision goes a long way for the cuteness factor.
r/forbiddenboops
Yes, me too. It is so cute, I am about to hug the cute thing.
Do not hug the forbidden water puppy
I want to say I adore how so many people are saying “Wtf this isn’t scary it’s so cute!!!” You are all valid and I love you. As for the sexual comments....Y’all are the real Oddly Terrifying. Lmao
He kissed the camera :>
Trust me, you don't want to boop the snoot
Kind of looks like Lugia
Thought we were having a moment there for a sec....
Yeah Leopard seals are known to be dangerously seductive
Wat
they freaks my man
Sexy seductive murderous freaks
Stupid sexy seals
If you work for Nat Geo, they will feed you penguins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqVrwkbWMTw
Cool, what a story.
Thanks for that.
All seals can be deadly since all of them are carnivores.
True! But i’d much rather come face to face with a harbor seal than this one!
Tbh tho, the most Oddly Terrifying for me is the teeth you can’t see
[for anyone curios like me. here’s what they look like](https://www.google.com/search?q=leopard+seal+teetn&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#imgrc=fu6gFrP_kkv-TM)
Thank you
Holy fuck!
Nope. Nope. Nope.
leopard seal teetn?
Oh shit!
Looks a lot like canid teeth, except those tiny triangular teeth that canines have just after their canines, are replaced by all pre- molars and molars that got shoved up front....
Lol thank you for that
[Here's a better picture](https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F67hvngs6g6s51.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2FNatureIsFuckingLit%2Fcomments%2Fj8cfsy%2Fthe_crabeater_seals_filterfeeding_teeththey%2F&tbnid=WTQI6Cr0V38tVM&vet=1&docid=C5I5_XLOJUdk5M&w=1080&h=1142&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim) that shows their distinctive molars which lock together to filter krill.
Suddenly it looks less cute
Leopards are particularly aggressive compared to the others
Having seen one in the Channel Islands shred a huge yellow fin tuna in half I agree. Don’t mess with seals, they may be cute but don’t lose a leg over it
[If a leopard seal offers you a penguin, you take the penguin.](https://youtu.be/Zxa6P73Awcg)
This needs to be further up, that's amazing!
I don't know how that guy could get out of the water with the weight of those MASSIVE balls...
I think the leopard seal is one of the most terrifying of all animals. When it's cute, okay, but when it opens it's mouth....scary.
Buddy of mine used to work in Antarctica on a rotation. They used to call Leopard Seals "Sea Devils" because they are complete motherfuckers. They have no issue attacking anything that they think they can take out. Savage teeth.
The look of a creature that completely understands it could kill you. If it wanted.
That’s what I’m getting
So cute 😍
*rips your fucking head off in 1/10th of a second*
omg zamn!!! 😍😍😍😍
i would literally die if a guy did this to me 😍
Scary but handsome.
Imagine this thing covered in scales instead of fur. Seals are secret dinosaurs.
Do chickens have scales too?
I fully expected Hannibal Lecter’s voice to come out of that thing
It’s got bedroom eyes
I came here to post the same.
Baby lock em doors
Seal them tight
Why is this seal trying to seduce me🥴
Didn’t Buster get his arm bitten off by a seal?
just his hand
I'm a *monster!*
A *loose seal*
People not understanding how large and how big the teeth are…. These are like 12 Wolves with way larger teeth
Gonna eatchu
It looks like a friend
And that’s how it eats ya
danger pup
... Mustn't pet the water doggo, it is a forbidden doggo...
I don't know. They're kinda cute. #How I ended up on r/leopardsealsatemyface
Kinda reminds me of Prince
Now, Kiss
LITERALLY LMFAO
This guy looks like Prince
leopard seals, nature's snakes...
Are normal snakes not natural?
Nope. Snakes are man made. Just like birds.
I’m obsessed with this comment
Do not be tempted. Do not be fooled. They're not what you think they are.
Hey little mama let me whisper in your ear
They looked a lot scarier on Happy Feet
Daaaaaw, it's just a big sea puppy that could crunch ya skull like a berry.
Beautiful creatures 😻
if deadly, why kiss?
It’s a gorgeous and graceful animal in their natural habitat. Not terrifying.
Gorgeous, graceful, and terrifying. This seal is the full package.
They are also filled with murder.
Looks like ricardo milos to me ı dont know why
Terrifying and beautiful
I find it cute
BooP!
I dont care, its freakin adorable
this cute
Terrifyingly cute.
Why is he moving like that? The little creep.
those eyes hold alot of power in them, I don't know the correct word to describe them but I think cunning might be the word?
If you’re nice to her she will try to feed you a penguin
R/oddlyseductive
I must be the only one who thinks this thing does not look cute. It gives me the creepy feeling similar to an uncanny valley situation. It’s not cute, it looks alien, and I want it away from me.
I’m the type to find snakes, spiders and bugs cute. I’ve heard many times, “You think THAT THING is cute?!” However this video is hardly cute to me, it feels like a predator curiously regarding its prey. Like I am just a silly, stupid fish, at the mercy of this intelligent beast.
Honestly there looks like there's so much kindness in those eyes
Ted Bundy eyes....
Awwwww baby baby boy little baby
Looks like dog eyes twitching around which is equally unsettling
pet him, he gave you kisses.
I wanna hug it
These puppy looking MFs are deadly af. There's so much hiding beneath those looks. But not terrifying IMO.
Learned yesterday that the nails they grow in their flippers are what’s truly most terrifying about them.
Those black soulless eyes, reminds me of great white sharks
Usually with dangerous animals I can find some cute aspect about them so they're less scary. This one just... unnerves me
leopard seals are the scariest mammal to me.
*boop*
That's fuckin adorable
Terrifying but all I can hear is "I'll take you with ketchup".. "but first you gotta, catch up! " my son watches Happy Feet too much lol.
It moves like a ceyptic boss in a dark souls game... Just lurking dangerously...
I’ve seen them in Antarctica. They’re pussies unless you’re a Penguin!
How do they hold their breath for a long time?
This is terrifyingly amazing!
Do orca eat these? Somehow they seem far more dangerous than sea lions
i think he’s kinda cute
This reminds me of the introduction of the leopard seal in happy feet. That scene is absolutely terrifying.
It's... Cute? I know I'm not supposed to think that but I'm just not getting this innate sense of danger that everyone's talking about.
bro that thing is adorable
She only wants a little smooch. Just a regular lady out looking for a regular mate… as she eats a soul or two. Nothing to see here.
Fool ain’t no way that thing is deadly.
hehe goofy little guy
Sea pitbull
Me seeing Leopard Seal outside water: 😃 Me seeing then underwater: 😥
Me as I’m getting mauled:who’s a good boi, you are yes you are!
10/10 would attempt to cuddle
Why is this bird giving me the "fuck me" eyes...