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16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Seals being taunted by Penguin

We were in Antarctica on a Zodiac when we came across this ice flow with two seals (Leopard & Crabeater) sunning themselves side by side. This was unusual since the leopard seal is a predator of juvenile crabeater seals. Then this penguin jumps up on the iceflow and starts squawking and prancing in front of the seals, obviously taunting them. The seals raised up and looked at the penguin in amazement as it strut back and forth. This activity went on for at least 15 minutes with the seals making no move to chase or eat the prancing penguin. We were flabbergast at the audacity and boldness of the penguin

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2018
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Antarctica
Camera: NIKON D3300
Copyright: © Jim Beffa