Fight! Incredible moment seal and octopus battle to the death caught on camera
If you have ever wondered who would win in an epic battle between a large seal and a giant octopus, then a kayaker in in New Zealand has the answer.
Conner Stapley caught the unbelievable 20-minute battle on film during while out kayaking in Kaikoura, in New Zealand’s South Island.
He was able to capture an epic fight to the death between a 120kg (19 stone) seal and an unfortunate octopus.
The 28-year-old was leading a group of three kayakers around Kaikoura’s South Bay when the dramatic scenes – which saw the adult male New Zealand fur seal rip the luckless octopus apart using sheer force – unfolded in front of them.
Conner, who is a guide for Kaikoura Kayaks, said: “It is quite rare to see something like this and rarer at this time of day – normally you would see New Zealand fur seals feeding in the evenings.
“I noticed a big flock of sea birds just congregating nearby – that is normally a sign there is something happening – and then the fight began.
“It went on for about 20 minutes, it was definitely one of the biggest octopuses I have ever seen.
“The seal was shaking it like a staffy with its favourite chew toy – they have to rip the tentacles off before they eat them, otherwise they stick to their throat and they have to throw it up and start again. They are literally dismembered.
“This octopus had no chance really. Seals love eating them and will eat up to 7kg of octopus a day, around here it is a staple part of their diet.
“We always promise kayakers they will see seals, but every day is different. Everyone was interested and no one got hit by any flying bits of octopus.
“You never get sick of going out on the water here – every day is always different and there is always something to see. I was pretty stoked to get these photos.”
Conner captured the images using his iPhone camera which was fitted with a waterproof case.