On the icy beaches of Antarctica, male elephant seals arrive each summer with one goal: to breed. But first, they must fight.
Weighing up to four tonnes and sometimes growing over four metres in length, these powerful bulls face off in bloody battles to win control of a harem – a group of females they’ll guard fiercely.
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Their fights are loud, violent and often inflict deep wounds. Males rear up, bellow and crash their chests together, trying to intimidate or injure their rivals. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the biggest and strongest usually win, becoming 'beachmasters' with exclusive mating rights for the season.
Despite the drama, most fights are brief. Subordinate males sometimes attempt sneak matings but risk attack if caught.
See the moment two male elephant seals collide in this incredible video.
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Top image: male elephant seals fighting. Credit: Getty
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