{"id":18747,"date":"2026-01-27T11:41:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T09:41:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jarvisydan.com\/?p=18747"},"modified":"2026-02-26T14:28:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T12:28:47","slug":"winter-dens-for-saimaa-ringed-seals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jarvisydan.com\/en\/winter-dens-for-saimaa-ringed-seals\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter dens for Saimaa Ringed Seals"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t

J\u00e4rvisyd\u00e4n\u2019s team rolled up their sleeves for the Saimaa ringed seal and took part in Mets\u00e4hallitus\u2019 nest-building volunteer work again this year. By supporting den building, we help give the seals better chances to survive and reproduce during winter. Our location next to a national park obliges us to take nature into account in everything we do. You can find more information about J\u00e4rvisyd\u00e4n\u2019s sustainability actions here.<\/p>\n

Why are winter dens made for the seals?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Saimaa ringed seal is completely dependent on ice and snow during winter. Linnansaari National Park is at the heart of the seals\u2019 habitat, and an estimated 80 seals live in the area. The seal gives birth to and nurses its pup in a den dug into snowdrifts that have formed on top of the ice. The den shelters the pup from cold, wind and predators - and above all provides peace and quiet during the first weeks of life.<\/p>\n

In recent years, winters have often been low-snow and unpredictable. When there is too little snow, it becomes difficult for the seal to build a proper den. The pup is then more easily exposed to frost and disturbance, and the mother\u2019s ability to care for her pup in peace is also reduced.<\/p>\n

That is why, in some parts of the seals\u2019 habitat, volunteers create artificial snowdrifts: snow is shoveled into suitable locations so the seal has enough material to dig a den. The work may look simple - just moving snow - but its impact can be significant, because the den is the foundation of the seal\u2019s winter breeding, and as many as 70% of seals are born in these den sites.<\/p>\n

It is also important to remember that seals reminded seals are sensitive to disturbance, especially during the breeding season. Winter movement on the ice, dogs, snowmobiles and excursions that come too close can cause a mother to avoid the area. For that reason, we move carefully in den areas and follow guidelines: we give the seals space and help ensure undisturbed breeding.<\/p>\n

More information about seal conservation can be found on Mets\u00e4hallitus\u2019 website.<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch the video (in Finnish)<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\n
\n\n \n
\n\n \n
\n\n \n