[4] The population is descended from ringed seals that were separated from the rest when the land rose after the last ice age.

The lake lies between the cities of Lappeenranta in the south and Joensuu in the north, spanning an oval of approximately 180 by 140 km (112 by 87 mi).

[7] During summer months when the ice is melted, these islands provide ample space for the seals to molt and breed.

An adult Saimaa ringed seal is between 85 and 160 centimetres (2.79 and 5.25 ft) in length and weighs between 50 and 90 kilograms (110 and 200 lb); males usually being larger than females.

It was believed for a long time that the Saimaa ringed seal was competing with the commercial and recreational fishing industries and there were bounties paid on them until the 1940s.

They do not prey on the local endangered salmon species (Salmo salar m. Sebago, S. trutta m. lacustris, and Salvelinus alpines).

A study conducted from 1980–84 revealed that Saimaa ringed seals make burrowed dens close to the shore and they reproduce once a year due to their longevity.

The duration of their dives increases from spring to autumn, which may be a result of food availability, but it is interesting because they are one of the few landlocked seal species.

[13] Many studies have been done to observe Saimaa ringed seal diving, which was discovered to last longer than expected.

[13] The Saimaa ringed seal is able to complete its dives and navigate in its environment due to its highly developed vibrissae, also known as whiskers.

[16] In order to protect the Saimaa ringed seal, there are voluntary fisheries restrictions in a part of their living areas.

[19] Breeding success of Saimaa ringed seal depends on sufficient ice and snow cover.

The loss of snow and ice caused by the ongoing climate change poses a direct threat to them.

[21][22] In addition, artificial lairs are also in development for winters when there is no snow on ice due to climate change.

[3] The Saimaa ringed seal lives mainly in two Finnish national parks, Kolovesi and Linnansaari.