An Antarctic fur seal photographed on Deception Island, one of the South Shetland group of Islands.
The Antarctic fur seal was heavily hunted in the 18th and 19th centuries for its pelt and driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a small population survived, breeding on Bird Island in South Georgia. From that remnant population, the species recovered to the point where it is now a common sight in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic.
Part of the Antarctica image gallery. ~KD.