Shark pictures show amazing killing display
These shots capture the splendour and horror of a great white shark weighing two tons leaping 10ft from the water as it closes inevitably on its victim.
After reaching speeds of up to 35mph on its ascent from the depths, the shark uses serried ranks of razor-sharp teeth to tear into the seal.
The wildlife photographer Chris Fellows spends over half of each year waiting off the coast of South Africa to capture the sharks at their grisly work.
These dramatic pictures, taken near Seal Island, in False Bay, are part of a decade-long campaign to promote positive awareness of great white sharks, which are classed as “endangered” largely due to being hunted by man.
On occasion the photography team used an artificial lure to attract the sharks before snapping them in action with the seals.
“The sharks feed on young seals when they are attempting to return to Seal Island after a few days out feeding,” Mr Fellows said. “The sharks will bite the seal, typically in half in the first go, and then come round and pick the other half up. It is all on the surface and it happens in a few minutes.”
The average great white in the waters around Seal Island measures between 12-16ft, with the biggest being a near 20-feet long giant spotted in 1997.
Mr Fellows added: “When children see a shark eat a seal they feel sorry for the seal, but it’s like a lion catching a zebra – it’s a natural phenomenon.
via telegraph.co.uk
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June 1st, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I came for a tut and found this. OMG I may never swim again. Those shark pics are scary.
January 19th, 2009 at 10:04 am
While I’m aware this is nature in action, I find it difficult to find any “splendour” to it. (Splendour by definition: “brilliant or gorgeous appearance)
It’s a no-brainer why children (and many adults) feel sorry for the defenseless seal. We’re talking what, 30 lbs VS a two ton killing machine? While it is indeed a natural phenomenon, the situation doesn’t really compare to the fair playing field of lion VS zebra.
I just recalled my fourth grade teacher asking us, “Have any of you children ever been to a slaugher house? Witnessing cattle being slaughtered is a beautiful experience you don’t want to miss!” This said to a group of eight year olds; we just sat in silence with our mouths dropped.
I dislike that animals have to die, but I love my beef rare.
This is all a part of daily life and survival. Animals need to eat, just like we humans need to eat.
February 13th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Sharks are truly magnificent. They are an example of a perfect apex predator. That’s why they’ve evolved so little in 400 million years. Sadly, they were not designed to face threats from humans.
These pictures are amazing. Thanks for posting them.
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
Well, since humans evolved into hunting creatures, I see no reason not to hunt these creatures to extinction. They’re dangerous to humans, so wipe ‘em out, says I. The world of humans and seals would be better off without them.