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Australian captures stunning photographs of pod of orcas attacking seal

Liam CroyThe West Australian
The pod of orcas surround the lonely seal in Antarctica.
Camera IconThe pod of orcas surround the lonely seal in Antarctica. Credit: Allison Bone

The audacity of that seal.

Australian Allison Bone captured a harrowing encounter between a pod of orcas and a solitary seal stranded on sea ice near Antarctica.

For almost two hours the killer whales worked as a team, making repeated runs towards the seal to generate a wave powerful enough to knock it off the ice and into the water.

It is a common and effective hunting method but this seal refused to become a tasty morsel for the marauding orcas.

Twice it slipped into the ocean but found a different piece of ice to cling to.

The battle continues but the seal eventually escapes.
Camera IconThe battle continues but the seal eventually escapes. Credit: Allison Bone

The seal even faced down one of the orcas when it came in for a closer look.

Ms Bone, who lives in Chicago, confirmed the seal eventually escaped to safety.

The orcas charge at the lone seal.
Camera IconThe orcas charge at the lone seal. Credit: Allison Bone

“Afternoon activities suspended to witness this nearly two-hour battle for life between a seal and four orcas,” Ms Bone said.

“The seal managed to hang on through every charge — and gave the orcas plenty of cheek in the process.

You lose: The defiant seal barks at one of the orcas.
Camera IconYou lose: The defiant seal barks at one of the orcas. Credit: Allison Bone

“The result — against all odds — seal one, orcas zero.”

VideoJeremy Tucker from The Great Escape Charter Company posted this sensational drone footage of crocodiles and sharks feeding on a rotting whale carcass while on his way from Montgomery Reef to the Prince Regent river.

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