The Ringed Seal is a medium-sized seal with a distinctive pattern of light rings on its dark fur. It is well adapted to life in icy waters and is known for creating breathing holes in the ice.
Habitat
Inhabits Arctic and sub-Arctic marine environments.
Diet
Feeds on fish and invertebrates.
How common
Common
Not certain it is a Ringed Seal? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ringed Seal sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Ringed Seal?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states
More mammals
Ringtail
Bassariscus astutus
Rio Grande Ground Squirrel
Ictidomys parvidens
Risso's Dolphin
Grampus griseus
Roatan Island Agouti
Dasyprocta ruatanica
Rock Squirrel
Otospermophilus variegatus
Roosevelt Elk
Cervus canadensis roosevelti
Round-tailed Ground Squirrel
Xerospermophilus tereticaudus
Round-tailed Muskrat
Neofiber alleni