[Faline]

A young penguin’s last moments as it drifts towards the jaws of a ravenous leopard seal are caught on camera in this amazing snap.

The young black and white bird has nowhere to hide after fighting in vain to escape the attention of the fierce aquatic predator.

Wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum captured the astonishing snap while leading a group on a tour of the Antarctic Peninsula.

It highlights the daily threat young penguins face each day in the region from the leopard seals who target the flightless animals.

‘Young penguins go to the shallow water to play and they are not familiar with the leopard seals’ ambushing act,’ explained the 63-year-old.

‘The leopard seal gets into the shallow bay just before low tide and pretends to be a rock, placing its head in the water.

‘When the young penguins get too close the leopard snaps with lighting speed, catching a penguin and in one smooth motion returns back to the deep water and proceeds to the drowning process.’

The ferocious sharp-toothed mammals can feast on up to 12 birds a day – stripping them to the bone after removing their fur and feathers with surgical precision.

[bob351]

Man, always feel bad for these animals getting eaten and killed. I love nature and understand it all but the little hippy inside me want everything to get along.

[Zahir82]

Wow! Those leapord seals are scary!

[knuggy]

he's smiling in that last pic

[NEVERBACKZ]

poor penguin

[Sharon]

Stunning but sad images

[speakyourmind]

There is something about the leopard seal that sends a shiver down my spine.

[kellyhound]

great images.

The ferocious sharp-toothed mammals can feast on up to 12 birds a day – stripping them to the bone after removing their fur and feathers with surgical precision.

Nature is cruel but awesome.

[bob351]

Saw this thought it was relevant.

[Tiburon]

Look at how happy that seal is at the end