Ringed seal

Scientific name: Pusa hispida

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Ringed seals are small, stocky pinnipeds with a silvery-grey coat marked by distinctive dark rings and spots on the dorsal surface. Males are slightly larger and darker than females, with prominent neck swelling during breeding season.

Size and weight

Males: 1.4–1.6 m long, 68–90 kg. Females: 1.3–1.5 m long, 50–70 kg.

Habitat

Ringed seals inhabit Arctic and subarctic pack ice and fast ice, preferring stable ice platforms over open water. They maintain breathing holes and haul-out sites on multi-year ice and seasonal ice fields.

Distribution

Ringed seals occur throughout the Arctic Ocean, sub-Arctic seas (Bering, Baltic), and in isolated freshwater populations (Lake Ladoga, Lake Saimaa). They occupy stable pack ice zones and coastal fast ice.

Diet

Ringed seals feed primarily on Arctic fish (polar cod, capelin, sculpin) and small crustaceans, with diet varying by ice availability and seasonal prey distribution.

Behaviour

Ringed seals are primarily nocturnal and solitary or found in loose aggregations on ice. They are active hunters in water but spend significant time hauled-out on ice for rest, thermoregulation, and breathing-hole maintenance.

Hunting tips

Locate seals by glassing ice floes at distance and scanning for dark silhouettes and breathing holes; approach slowly into wind and use ice pressure ridges for cover. Move during seal dives or when animals are oriented away; maintain low profile and stop frequently. Stalking is effective during calm weather when seals remain hauled-out longer.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.