It isn't the most flattering of angles for this leopard seal but it does remind me of times when you are resting/napping and you hear a noise somewhere. That startling noise is enough to open your eyes and lift your head, in somewhat in a daze too if I am being completely honest.
This is kind of what happened to this leopard seal, which I must state it is never my intention to disturb or interfere. with any wild animals natural behaviour. We are simply there to observe not to interfere. I was driving a small zodiac wth 10 other people on board around some nice and small Islands near Verandsky Station (Ukrainian station). As I drove, at speed, around the corner of an iceberg this guy appeared. I instantly stopped but he had already heard my engine and then saw me, hence the lifting of the head in curiosity. It was only for this one moment he was on alert, as shortly afterwards his eyes were closed and his head was back on the ice.
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