The ringed seal is the smallest and most common seal in the Arctic, inhabiting the circumpolar regions of the Arctic Ocean and sub-Arctic seas. Its distinctive coat features dark spots encircled by light grey rings, giving the species its name.
Ringed seals are vital to Arctic ecosystems — they are the primary prey of polar bears and an important food source for killer whales and Arctic communities. Today, climate change and the resulting loss of sea ice and snow cover pose the greatest threat to their survival, as these habitats are essential for breeding and protection.
Quick Ringed Seal Facts
| Scientific name | Pusa hispida |
| Length | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) |
| Weight | 110 kg (242.5 lbs) |
| Population | 2,000,000 individuals |
| Species Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Diet and Behaviour
Ringed seals primarily feed on Arctic cod, polar cod, and planktonic crustaceans such as krill and amphipods. They are skilled divers, capable of reaching depths of over 90 metres and remaining underwater for up to 45 minutes. These solitary seals maintain breathing holes in the sea ice using their sharp claws, which allows them to survive in areas with thick ice cover, a unique adaptation among Arctic seals.
Breeding Cycle
Ringed seals give birth to a single pup each spring, typically from March to April, in a snow lair built above a breathing hole on stable sea ice. These lairs offer insulation and protection from predators and harsh weather. Pups are born with a white, insulating lanugo coat and are nursed for about five to seven weeks before they are weaned and begin learning to hunt on their own. Successful breeding is closely tied to the availability of stable ice and sufficient snow depth, both of which are increasingly threatened by warming Arctic conditions.
Ringed Seals FAQs
Where do ringed seals live?
Ringed seals are found throughout the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, including the coasts and ice-covered waters of Canada, Greenland, Russia, Alaska, and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. They are highly adapted to life on sea ice, often creating small dens and breathing holes in thick ice to rest, give birth, and evade predators.
On an Aurora Expeditions Arctic cruise, you may spot these elusive seals lounging on ice floes or diving gracefully in the frigid waters of their natural habitat.
What do ringed seals eat?
Ringed seals feed primarily on small fish like Arctic cod, as well as planktonic crustaceans, shrimp, and other invertebrates. They are agile hunters, diving beneath sea ice to catch prey in the nutrient-rich waters of the Arctic.
Observing them from our small ships offers a unique glimpse into this predator-prey relationship, as these seals are a vital part of the Arctic food web, sustaining both polar bears and killer whales.
How can you identify a ringed seal?
Ringed seals are relatively small, usually under 1.5 metres in length, with a distinctive coat marked by dark spots encircled by lighter rings. Their short, rounded heads and lack of external ears distinguish them from other seal species. On Arctic expeditions with Aurora, these patterns are often visible when seals rest on ice floes, making them a favourite species for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
What makes ringed seals different from other Arctic seals?
Ringed seals stand out for their remarkable adaptations to life on sea ice. Unlike larger seals, they create breathing holes in thick ice and use snow dens to give birth and shelter pups. Their agility in icy waters and small size make them more elusive than species like harp or bearded seals.
As one of the primary prey for polar bears, they play a crucial ecological role, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Arctic’s interconnected wildlife.
Are ringed seals endangered?
Currently, ringed seals are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, but their survival is increasingly threatened by climate change. Shrinking sea ice and reduced snowpack in the Arctic disrupt their breeding and resting areas, making them vulnerable to predators and environmental stress.
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