THIS is the jaw-dropping moment a leopard seal was snapped lunging for a fleeing penguin.
The photograph, shot by Amos Nachoum, has won the top spot at this year’s edition of the World Nature Photography Awards.
The stunning, yet haunting pictures, give a glimpse into the underwater world in the Antarctic.
Explaining how he captured his winning shot, Nachoum said: “For hours, I waited for the low tide to arrive along a shallow lagoon on a remote island off the Antarctic Peninsula.
“Like clockwork, the leopard seal arrived in the lagoon just before low tide.
“It put its head in the water and looked just like a rock sitting in the receding water.
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“The young Gentoo penguins only dare to enter the water when it is shallow, and when they got close enough to the seal, it turned its head at lightning speed, catching one of the penguins by its feet and taking it to deep water.”
He then swam parallel to the seal, watching as it swam to open waters.
He explained: “To my surprise, it let go of the penguin twice. Each time, the seal chased after the penguin again, as if it was enjoying the game.
"The terrified penguin tried to escape as the game continued. But soon, the end came."
This year’s competition received entries from over 20 countries in six continents.
As the winner, Nachoum takes home the title of World Nature Photographer of the Year but also takes home a cash prize of $1000.
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