Ringed Seal

About the Ringed Seal

The most common seal in the Arctic and the primary prey of polar bears. They maintain breathing holes in sea ice using the claws on their front flippers. They can dive to 500 meters. They are the smallest seal in the Arctic. They build lairs under snow drifts for pupping, protecting them from polar bears. Climate change is reducing their sea ice habitat. They can live 25-30 years. Over 2.5 million exist. They are a key species in the Arctic food web. They are the only seal that can maintain breathing holes in thick ice.