Antarctic Animal Encounters - Fur Seal 9 - Arrrr!

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We played like this for about 30 minutes in all walking about half a mile along the shore line in the process. Some of the time it was more energetic, at others less so. Here he is in the shallows having done another lunge from the depths to near-by getting me wet from his bow-wave in the process.

Despite the apparent aggression it was all very good natured and if I squatted down, I could calm things for a while. Seals spend most of their time horizontal, rearing themselves up and gaining height over another seal is a sign of intimidation or aggression.  This is why they often respond aggressively to humans walking nearby - they feel they are being challenged. Losing height gives them the message you are not a threat and usually causes them to calm down.

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