Scientific studies of the diet show they are not an economic threat to existing commercial fisheries. Adult leopard seals are normally found along the edge of the Antarctic pack ice but in winter young animals move throughout the southern ocean, visiting New Zealand. They have a disproportionately large snake like head. Adult males reach 3m nose to tail length and weigh about 270 kg. Females may reach 3.6m and weigh over 300 kg.
Leopard seals are carnivorous and their prey includes tiny krill, fish and sea birds.
They are the only seals known to regularly hunt and kill other seals, and large adults have attacked humans. Keep well out of their way. This is the largest species of seal. Adult males reach 4-5m nose to tail length, and 3.6 tonnes in weight. Females are 2-3m long and weigh about 900 kg.