Leopard Seal

Scientific Name: Hydrurga leptonyx

Description: An aggressive predator, the Leopard Seal feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, krill, birds including penguins, fish, and other small marine mammals. While Leopard Seals are mostly associated with Antarctic waters they are occasionally seen on Victorian beaches including at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads where they haul out for rest before returning to sea. Leopard Seals are believed by some to be the basis of stories involving ‘bunyips’ around waterways.

Type: Mammal
Where to find: Open Water, Beaches
Size: 3.5m