Ringed SealPusa hispidaWhere and when to see them

The ringed seal is a small northern seal named for the pale circles scattered across its darker coat. It is exceptionally well adapted to ice-covered seas, maintaining breathing holes and sheltering pups in snow lairs. Global status masks important differences among regional populations and subspecies. Around Svalbard it is a characteristic ice-associated mammal, but warming winters and reduced snow cover can undermine the sheltered breeding habitat on which pups depend.

Size

1.0-1.5 m long

Weight

50-100 kg

Lifespan

25-40 years in the wild

Status

Least Concern

Ringed seals use strong foreflipper claws to keep breathing holes open as ice thickens. Females give birth in snow-covered lairs above the ice, providing insulation and concealment from predators. Adults are often solitary or widely spaced, although several may rest within view on suitable ice. During spring they increasingly bask on the surface while molting. Their vigilance reflects predation pressure from polar bears and other hunters. Ringed seals use strong foreflipper claws to keep breathing holes open as ice thickens. Females give birth in snow covered lairs above the ice, providing insulation and concealment from predators. Adults are often solitary or widely spaced, although several may rest within view on suitable ice. During spring they increasingly bask on the surface while molting. Their vigilance reflects predation pressure from polar bears and other hunters. They are known for their strong site fidelity to specific breathing holes and lairs, especially during winter and spring. Pups are born in late March or early April and are initially covered in a woolly, white lanugo coat for camouflage.

• Strong claws help maintain breathing holes through growing winter ice.
• Pups are normally born inside insulating snow lairs.
• Ringed seals are a major prey species for polar bears.
• Distinct populations also live in the Baltic Sea and certain northern lakes.

Late spring and early summer can offer distant views of seals resting on ice during the molt. Dates depend strongly on latitude and annual ice conditions. Summer travel may improve access but can coincide with reduced ice and less conspicuous surface resting. Late spring and early summer can offer distant views of seals resting on ice during the molt. Dates depend strongly on latitude and annual ice conditions. Summer travel may improve access but can coincide with reduced ice and less conspicuous surface resting. Observing them often involves scanning ice floes or shorelines from the deck of a ship or zodiac in ice-laden waters. Early spring can be challenging for viewing due to extensive ice cover and their reclusive nature in birth lairs.

Arctic populations occupy coastal and offshore sea ice, especially areas with stable ice and enough accumulated snow for birth lairs. Some subspecies inhabit brackish or freshwater systems. In Svalbard, sheltered fjords can be important where winter ice conditions remain suitable. Arctic populations occupy coastal and offshore sea ice, especially areas with stable ice and enough accumulated snow for birth lairs. Some subspecies inhabit brackish or freshwater systems. In Svalbard, sheltered fjords can be important where winter ice conditions remain suitable. This species is the most abundant and widely distributed seal in the Northern Hemisphere, extending its range across the entire Arctic Ocean. They are particularly dependent on fast ice and areas with snow cover, which are critical for pupping and protection from predators.

Small fish and crustaceans dominate the diet, including polar cod where available. Prey composition changes with region, season and seal age. Ringed seals can feed beneath extensive ice cover, using maintained breathing holes to access habitats unavailable to many other marine mammals. Small fish and crustaceans dominate the diet, including polar cod where available. Prey composition changes with region, season and seal age. Ringed seals can feed beneath extensive ice cover, using maintained breathing holes to access habitats unavailable to many other marine mammals. Their diet also includes a variety of invertebrates like amphipods and euphausiids, which are crucial energy sources in the Arctic ecosystem. Pups initially feed on their mother's fat-rich milk, growing rapidly during the nursing period.

Common name

Ringed Seal

Scientific name

Pusa hispida

Animal group

Mammals

Size

1.0-1.5 m long

Weight

50-100 kg

Lifespan

25-40 years in the wild

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Compared with harbor seals, ringed seals are generally smaller, with a short muzzle and pale outlined rings rather than predominantly dark spots. Compared with harbor seals, ringed seals are generally smaller, with a short muzzle and pale outlined rings rather than predominantly dark spots. Adults typically grow to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weigh between 50 to 100 kg (110 to 220 lbs). Their small head and chunky body shape are also distinguishing features, along with their proportionately small flippers.