National Geographic Photographer Face-Off With A Deadly Predator

National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen is known for his stunning wildlife photos like these ones below.

ws1

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

ws2

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

ws3

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

ws4

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

When he was assigned to photograph wildlife in Antarctica, he didn’t hesitate to go.

ws5

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

When he got there, he decided to take snapshots of seals. He jumped into the water and this gigantic leopard seal swam up to him.

ws6

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

Paul thought at first that the seal will attack him and he’s probably going to die. But instead of swimming to safety, he waited (shaking) for the seal to approach and see what would happen next

ws7

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

[wp_ad_camp_1]

What happened next surprised Paul.

ws8

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

The seal seemed to appear feeling sorry for him, probably thinking he’s a helpless, hungry creature looking for food.

ws9

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

So the huge seal brought him something to eat. Paul, of course, declined the offer.

ws10

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

For four days photographing in the area, the seal continued to bring him food because she probably didn’t want him, a helpless animal, to starve to death.

ws11

Paul Nicklen / National Geographic

Watch this video with Paul Nicklen describing his most amazing experience coming face-to-face with one of Antarctica’s most vicious predators.