There is more to the seemingly-nave Antarctic seal than meets the eye. Marine biologists who have been investigating the animals' feeding habits say that seals are fierce and cunning predators. Terrie Williams of the University of California in Santa Cruz and her colleagues strapped video cameras on the backs of four Weddel seals that hunt under the ice to study their behaviour. The scientists observed the seals flushing out small fish hiding in loose ice by blowing bubbles at them. "They eat these little fish like hors d'oevres," Williams pointed out. The main course comprised metre-long cod, which they attacked from below, wrestling their catch to death on the ice. Says Williams: "I have a whole new appreciation for the seal. It is like a lion"
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.