The ringed seal has a pale coat marked with distinctive dark ring-shaped spots.
Ringed seals are the smallest and most widespread seals in the Arctic, but this question concerns their coat pattern rather than their size. Their dark spots are surrounded by lighter rings, creating the pattern that gives the species its common name. The coat provides camouflage against broken sea ice and water.
Ringed seals depend heavily on sea ice. Females build snow lairs over breathing holes, where pups are protected from severe weather and predators. Polar bears frequently hunt ringed seals, making the species an important part of the Arctic food web.
Ringed seals are different from harp seals, whose adults have a large dark saddle-like marking. They are also different from bearded seals, which are larger and have especially prominent whiskers. These markings and body features help distinguish common Arctic seal species.