The Baltic Sea is home for two seal species. The larger of these two species is the gray seal. The Baltic ringed seal lives mostly in shore waters. However, the most well-known Finnish seal species is an endangered subspecies living in lake Saimaa, the Saimaa ringed seal. 

Both the gray seal and the Baltic ringed seal have adapted to life in the water. They are quick swimmers that use their fin-like limbs to change direction quickly when chasing evading fish. Their bodies are streamlined and their skin is covered by a compact fur covering. A thick fat layer protects the seals from heat loss. 

Both seal species have large eyes, which helps them to see in dark water environments. Seals also have sensory whiskers that help them navigate waters in almost complete darkness. 

Seals have no gills, which means that they have to regularly come up to the surface for air. However, seals use oxygen very effectively, meaning that they can remain underwater for over 20 minutes at a time.

Grey seals give birth to light-furred pups on land or ice. In contrast, ringed seals give birth to their young in snowy caves. Seal mothers feed their young by giving them nutritious milk through their mammary glands.


A grey seal.