How do ringed seals raise pups in snowy dens?

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A crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) lies on snow-covered ice with its mouth open, surrounded by broken sea ice in East Antarctica. — seal Crabeater seal (*Lobodon carcinophagus*).

The ringed seal (Pusa hispida) is uniquely adapted to life in North Polar regions, where it utilizes the environment to protect its offspring. To raise its young, the female seal digs a den into the snow that has accumulated over the sea ice.1

Within these sheltered, snow-covered structures, the female gives birth to a single pup each year. The pup is born with a white coat, which provides camouflage against the snowy surroundings, helping it remain hidden from predators while it develops in the safety of the den.1