As of today, out of season, returns ~February. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Baikal seals (nerpa, Pusa sibirica) give birth in snow lairs excavated on the lake ice.
Pupping occurs on Lake Baikal ice each year, concentrated in a seasonal window when ice is stable.
The colony/haul-out sites (notably the Ushkani archipelago and sheltered bays) are important pup and haul-out habitat and are managed under regional park/reserve rules.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Ushkani Islands - main landing / ranger cordon (Bolshoye Ushkaniye) |
| Khuzhir (Olkhon Island) - village pier / west shore access |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.