Like whales, this Antarctic predator can strain small prey from the water with sievelike teeth
The researchers now plan to observe the same behaviour in wild leopard seals. “A trip down to the ice is in order,” says Hocking.
This article is reproduced with permission from the magazine Nature. The article was first published on October 29, 2012.
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3 Comments
Add CommentConsidering how some specimens have willingly bonded with humans, I wonder if maybe the leopard seal could become the first marine mammal to be domesticated.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thiscute but I have a bunch of americans ready to jump at the any percieved overture.How to calm down is quite the challange. Any suggestions.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFirst? Dolphins, seals, orcas don't count? We've been training them and breeding them in captivity for a long time.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIn general, gregarious animals are easier to domesticate, leopard seals are loners. Even when it's mating season, the groups they form are tiny and ephimerous. Besides, at 12ft and 1,300lb it is not a critter you want to mess with. I remember reports of attacks on humans by these predators, at least one fatal. No, I wouldn't try to have one in my swimming pool =P