Flipping Mad! Angry Seals Fight In The Surf

The furious sea mammals whacked and gnawed at each other as waves crashed on to the beach at Punta Ninfas in Argentina last month.

While the cause of their argument was unknown, the elephant seals disturbed the peace as their fellow animals slept serenely on the sand.

Chantelle Stobbe, 34, from Canada, watched as the fight exploded into action. 

She said: “There were approximately 30 elephant seals. They were mostly sleeping and lazing around. I'm not sure what caused them to start fighting.

"They were all sleeping and then out of nowhere these two starting biting at each other and smacking their heads at one another - although some of the photos make it seem like they are buddies or lovers.

“This happened about 15ft in front of me – and the fight lasted for 10 minutes.

But luckily, neither of the seals were left blubbering and both shuffled off without suffering life-threatening injuries. 

She added: “They are young males and they were probably play fighting or practicing for when they are older.”

When breeding season arrives, adult male seals battle each other for mating dominance over their harem of females.

Sometimes the animals survive the fight unscathed – but other battles can turn bloody and violent.