Bearded seals have a gray or brown coat that is darker on their back than their underside. They are heaviest in the winter and early spring when they can weigh up to approximately 360kg, although the largest they get is when a female is pregnant. In the spring, they decrease their food intake and loose some of their blubber and mass, weighing 216kg to 239kg. The large body mass makes their round head and flippers look even smaller in comparison. Their large, wide muzzle contrasts with their small close set eyes.
Bearded seals have long white whiskers, hence their name.
The claws on the digits are very strong, unlike those on the hind flippers. Unlike most other earless seals, which have two retractable teats, bearded seals have four. Pups are similar in color to adults but have a lighter face and a back that has broad,light colored stripes. A dark line extending from the head to between the eyes is sometimes apparent. By using their sensitive whiskers, they are able to easily track their favorite food items such as crabs, shrimp, clams, and snails.