I think it stems from seeing a movie "Eight Below" about some dogs that were left behind in Antarctica. One of the dogs is at the edge of the ice and this huge face full of nasty teeth (accompanied by terrifying music, I'm sure) lunges out of the water at the dog. It was a leopard seal. (I don't remember whether the dog escapes or not.) The fear and shock of that moment has made me for the first time in my life actually dislike an animal. BUT this video has put the voice of reason and some perspective back into my view of leopard seals. It's not long, well worth watching.
I have a confession to make: when Joni starts to get overtired and a bit out of control, like a very tired child, she seems to become a lunging head full of teeth going for shoe laces, jeans or whatever is in reach. At those moments we call her 'Leppy' (short for leopard seal) and ask her nicely to go to her bed for a rest. I feel a lot better about that name now. She answers to Leppy almost as well as Joni. 🙂
Thanks to Steve who applied this leopard seal therapy session by sending me this link.
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You are welcome +Rama DramaÂ
+Julie Jamieson – terrifying in the extreme and I confess I would not be getting into the water with one of those ladies. But the video and photographs were really fascinating to me.
It was, wasn't it +Ursula Klepper – I'm glad to say that I have never actually seen one in real life.
Every time I listen to it +Joakim Gillebo – I think of what you said. 😀 and I completely get it.Â
You're welcome +Christina Lihani and +Janet Patterson and I absolutely was astonished myself. It cured me (partly at least) of a phobia. Fortunately I am not likely to meet a leopard seal anytime soon to test out if I am completely cured.
I share the view expressed by +Christina Lihani, +Ellie Kennard. Â I had no idea.
That was remarkable!!! I didn't expect this story at all. Wow, thanks for sharing +Ellie Kennard!
Amusing and very interesting, I think poor old leppy is much maligned.
Very funny and interesting. A little off topic, but it make me laugh every time (!) an American is trying to make Swedish/Norwegian accent they end up sounding German. I am Norwegian by the way. Sweden is our neighbor country.. 😉
Hehe, funny commentary from the photographer, he got terrific shots! Very interresting this film, I never heard of leopard seals before…. Thank you! :o)
considering most seals are so sweet, these guys are terrifying!
That's a great story! Thanks for sharing !