This species is rarely found on the open sea, but instead is prefers areas where the ice is firm. Adult ringed seals are 140-150 cm in length, and females are generally slightly smaller than males. Phoca hispida is similar in shape and color to common seals, but it is generally darker. Males are thought to be polygynous and probably hold underwater territories. Although mating occurs in May, the blastocyst does not implant until August or September.
Ringed seals require solid ice for pupping, which makes the pups more vulnerable to predators.
Adult seals are solitary except for loose feeding aggregations in the water in summer. Starting in mid-May, ringed seals haul out onto the ice and bask in the sun. Ringed seals make lairs in the snow and ice for protection from predators and thermal shelter. They can occupy ice covered areas by maintaining breathing holes and breathing through cracks in the ice. References Frost, K.J. and L.F. Lowry. 1981.