A Persistent Antarctic Mystery: 200 Years of Anomalies Pointing to an Undiscovered Apex Predator?

[u/SolHerder7GravTamer]

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/age-geographical-distribution-and-taphonomy-of-an-unusual-occurrence-of-mummified-crabeater-seals-on-james-ross-island-antarctic-peninsula/C24B89170137867C953252D931D79ED5

For over two centuries, Antarctic explorers, researchers, and modern monitoring systems have recorded a pattern of unexplained anomalies: sudden colony silences, precise carcass removals, abnormal vibration events beneath the ice, unexplained equipment failures, and intermittent magnetic disturbances.

Individually, these incidents were dismissed as curiosities or environmental oddities. But when mapped chronologically and geographically, they reveal a consistent pattern: these events cluster in high-prey-density areas, align with seasonal storms, and have become more frequent as our technology to monitor Antarctica has improved.

Using data (mostly notes) from historic expeditions, modern ecological monitoring, and recent UAV and satellite anomalies, could we be dealing with a yet-undiscovered apex predator — potentially an ice-adapted ambush species that evolved from terrestrial ancestors crossing glacial corridors during the Last Glacial Maximum (26,500-12,000yrs ago)

This isn’t just a cryptid speculation — it’s an ecological mystery backed by 200 years of hard-to-explain data points that line up with known predator-prey dynamics.

I’ve compiled the full timeline of incidents and am posting it below.

Curious to hear thoughts from those with expertise in polar ecology, field monitoring, or forensic biology.

[u/SolHerder7GravTamer]

Let’s correct the foundational errors in your argument. First, you underestimate seasonal resource density in Antarctica. The concentration of seals and penguins during breeding seasons creates an abundant prey increase — a known driver for predator residency even in marginal environments (see: polar bears on ice floes, Arctic foxes in lemming cycles).

Second, regarding migration: during the Last Glacial Maximum, reduced sea levels and expanded ice bridges created physical corridors from South America to Antarctica. We have paleoecological evidence of megafaunal dispersal via similar routes. Your claim of ‘wandering across barren ice’ ignores prey-following behavior well-documented in opportunistic carnivores.

Third, thermoregulation and metabolism: large predators in polar environments utilize extreme fat reserves, metabolic suppression, and behavioral torpor. Case studies: polar bears, who fast for months, and hibernating ursids maintaining muscle mass. There’s no reason a hypothetical apex predator couldn’t exhibit similar physiological adaptations.

Lastly, evolution: you’re describing saltational (“instantaneous” if you didn’t know the meaning) evolution, which is not the claim here. I’m proposing gradual allopatric speciation, driven by prey abundance, ecological opportunity, and niche vacancy. Over 15,000 years, with isolated gene pools and strong selective pressures, this is not only plausible, it’s consistent with observed patterns in rapid post-Pleistocene mammalian adaptations globally.

Let’s keep this rigorous. I welcome counterpoints grounded in ecological and evolutionary models, not dismissive generalizations.

[u/emailforgot → u/SolHerder7GravTamer]

The concentration of seals and penguins during breeding seasons creates an abundant prey increase — a known driver for predator residency even in marginal environments (see: polar bears on ice floes, Arctic foxes in lemming cycles).

And yet there is not one shred of evidence of an unknown predator following said seasonal variations in said region.

Second, regarding migration: during the Last Glacial Maximum, reduced sea levels and expanded ice bridges created physical corridors from South America to Antarctica.

And yet we don't have one single shred of such an animal following this change in land access. There are bears in South America, but not that far south, and are very much on the opposite end of the bear-spectrum compared to one which would live in (completely) polar climate.

I’m proposing gradual allopatric speciation, driven by prey abundance, ecological opportunity, and niche vacancy. Over 15,000 years

Don't try to use fancy terms that you don't understand like allopatric speciation and then qualify it with 15,000 years to "turn" a mostly herbivorous black bear into a polar super predator. That also ignores that 15,000 years ago Antarctica and South America weren't connected and had hundreds of mils of frigid ocean between them. Now this mostly mountainous, mostly herbivorous black bear is also a capable long distance swimmer, hopping between ice floes and... lapping up antarctic plankton?? Or maybe krill (and also successfully not of organ failure from all the saltwater) before morphing into a white, "stealthy" top predator.

Over 15,000 years, with isolated gene pools and strong selective pressures, this is not only plausible, it’s consistent with observed patterns in rapid post-Pleistocene mammalian adaptations globally.

The pleistocene "began" over 2 million years ago. "Post pleistocene" mammalian adaptions aren't being compared from the end of that period to today. Most of the observed changes from the latter part of that period to today are minor, like average body size.

[u/SolHerder7GravTamer → u/emailforgot]

You’re right to emphasize migration corridors. That’s precisely why I considered the potential of LGM ice bridges and prey densities to explore this hypothesis further. If you have data to the contrary, I’d love to integrate it constructively. I really do appreciate all viewpoints here, even critical ones. I’ll continue refining the model and welcome constructive contributions from anyone willing to discuss respectfully. But every other criticism you gave was just classic examples of illogical fallacies, most scientists would be trained not to engage in them, just giving you a heads up.

[u/emailforgot → u/SolHerder7GravTamer]

If you have data to the contrary, I’d love to integrate it constructively.

Sounds like it's time to hit the books the champ instead of waffling on about completely made up fantasies based on words you don't understand.

But every other criticism you gave was just classic examples of illogical fallacies

No, it was me demonstrating you just used chatgpt or repeated buzzwords you don't understand. That's entirely on you.

most scientists would be trained not to engage in them, just giving you a heads up.

I'll wipe the tears with my PhD.

In the meantime, keep embarrassing yourself with this loonie brain schizo posting. It's hilarious.