Breathtaking Photo Captures Seal Inside Whale's Open Mouth
The West Coast is prime whale-watching territory, and the Pacific Northwest in particular is a perfect place to see some action unlike anywhere else on Earth. If you're lucky, you'll get more than the usual breaching show and watch as the ocean mammals hunt for their next meal, making for some unforgettable sights in the process.
One naturalist with Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours in Anacortes, Washington captured a stunning moment during a feeding frenzy on Sept. 12. While female humpback whale Zillion was chowing down on some fish, a harbor seal wound up in its mouth, making for a wild moment captured on camera.
"It's Friday the 13th, a day often considered to be unlucky. Also unlucky? This harbor seal that got caught in [Zillion]'s mouth yesterday while she fed on baitfish in the Strait of Juan de Fuca!" the Pacific Whale Watch Association shared in a Facebook post. "Fortunately, the seal did have some luck on their side, as Zillion quickly noticed the unwelcome dinner guest and released the seal accordingly."
Blue Kingdom agreed that it was an unbelievable encounter that will luckily live forever now thanks to the photos.
"We’re still in awe of this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter from Thursday’s tour," the Facebook post read. "Naturalist Brooke captured the moment this incredibly surprised harbor seal found himself inside humpback Zillion’s mouth! Fortunately the little guy escaped to tell the tale!"
While orcas have been known to prey on sea lions, humpbacks feed on small fish, so it was unlikely it would end up becoming Zillion's dinner. Still, it's probably safe to say the seal is happy to have escaped.