As temperatures rise, ice is melting rapidly at the Liao River Estuary in Panjin, northeast China's Liaoning Province. Large groups of spotted seals are resting here after their winter breeding season. On peak days, volunteers have recorded up to 223 spotted seals at the wetland.

The spotted seal is China's only breeding pinniped species. Among the world's eight breeding habitats, the icy waters off Liaodong Bay mark the southernmost home for these wild creatures. Every year, they give birth between January and February. Newborn pups have already been spotted around the bay.