Shortly after birth, pups are able to swim and can dive 75 meters deep to escape polar bears. Pups put on weight quickly, especially during the 12 to 18 days of nursing. Pups molt into the adult coat around the time of weaning, which occurs when it reaches approximately 85kg. These solitary creatures are seen resting on floating ice with their head facing downward into the water. This is so they can quickly escape into the sea if pursued by a predator.
Bearded seals ram their head into thin ice in order to create breathing holes.
They have been known to dive to a depth of 200 meters, however, they mainly feed in shallow waters. Males of this species sing an audible, underwater song during breeding season. Female life spans can be up to 31 years while males usually live about 25 years. They also prefer broken, drifting patches of ice, although they readily adapt to dense, slow moving ice by making breathing holes. During the warmer months they sometimes climb ashore to gravel beaches.