ISLE OF WIGHT—In a groundbreaking observation, a grey seal was documented employing a never-before-seen defensive tactic against a white-tailed eagle in Newtown Harbour, Isle of Wight. This interaction, captured by birdwatcher Clare Jacobs, showcases the seal spitting a jet of water at the eagle, a behavior unreported in scientific literature until now.
The University of Portsmouth study highlights this unique encounter, emphasizing the evolving dynamics between these apex predators. Clare Jacobs, the observer, expressed her excitement over capturing such a rare event, especially as sightings of both grey seals and white-tailed eagles have become common on the Isle of Wight. However, interactions between the two species had not been previously recorded.
Megan Jacobs, a co-author of the study and palaeontologist at the University of Portsmouth, pointed out the significance of this behavior as a potential strategy for the seal to deter the eagle from competing for fish, their shared food source. This discovery not only adds a new dimension to our understanding of grey seal behavior but also contributes to the broader knowledge of predator-prey interactions.
White-tailed eagles, known for their impressive wingspan and as the largest of all European eagles, were reintroduced to the Isle of Wight in 2019 after being extinct in the area since 1780. The observation of the seal’s defensive spitting provides an insight into the complex interactions between reintroduced species and their new environments.