Common Name:
Ringed seal
Scientific Name:
Pusa (Phoca) hispida
Unique Qualities:
The Ringed seal is the smallest of the arctic seals; its coat is different across its different range. Generally it is silvery to dark grey on the underside and darker on the back with small, pale ring-like markings over its sides and back. The Ringed seal has adapted to living on stable arctic sea ice. Ringed seals have been known to live up to 43 years. Adults often stay in the same area year round. They rarely move onto the land because they have to be cautious of sudden predators. The pups are known as "silver jars" because of their silvery pelt.
Can be Seen:
The ringed seal can be seen in the Arctic Ocean and as far south as Southern California. It can be found in all arctic areas and in the North Pacific as far south as Japan.
Likes to Hang Out:
The Ringed seal likes to hang out in the marine waters of the northern hemisphere and occasionally in freshwater lakes. It also likes to hang out wherever there is stable ice near land, especially in bays, but also in lakes and river openings. Ringed seals construct dens under the snow above breathing holes to provide a safe place to give birth.
Likes to Eat:
The Ringed seal likes to eat fish and plankton. It also eats Arctic cod, Saffron cod, shrimp, and squid.
Status:
The Ringed seal is the most numerous and widely distributed marine mammal in the Arctic. Although no accurate estimate exists, there are probably more than 2,000,000 Ringed seals world wide. It is hunted in large numbers by Inuit and Inuvialuit hunters and forms the basis of the economy and food supply in many northern settlements. Currently most subspecies of Ringed seals are not thought to be threatened, although changes to the arctic ice because of global warming are a concern.
