Walrus

What does a walrus look like?

Walruses have short brownish fur and skin, which appear darker in pups but gradually lighten with age. The fur often becomes thin and patchy in older males, and large warty growths may develop on the throat. When the walrus is on land, its skin can appear pink due to increased blood flow, while after emerging from water, it can look grey. Beyond their distinctive skin and fur, walruses have unique anatomical features that set them apart from other pinnipeds. They lack external ears and rely on their rear flippers for propulsion in the water. On land, their bare flipper surfaces and four nipples further distinguish them from other seal species.

How many species of walrus are there?

In the Arctic, there are three subspecies of walrus. The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is the largest subspecies, with its walrus habitat found in the Pacific region. The smallest subspecies are the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) and the Laptev walrus (Odobenus rosmarus laptevi), which live in the Atlantic regions near Greenland and Svalbard. In addition to its greater size, the Pacific walrus features longer tusks, broader skulls, and a population eight times larger than the Atlantic walruses.

What sound does a walrus make?

Walruses produce loud, bell-like sounds, grunts, and whistles, particularly during the mating season when vocalisations are vital for attracting mates and establishing dominance within their groups

Can walruses breathe underwater?

No, walruses cannot breathe underwater, but can hold their breath for up to 25 minutes while diving.

Is a walrus a mammal?

Yes, the walrus is a marine mammal that belongs to the Odobenidae family.

How much does a walrus weigh?

Male walruses typically range from 2.7 to 3.5 meters long and weigh between 800 to 1,900 kg. Females are slightly smaller, measuring 2.25 to 3 meters long and weighing 400 to 1,200 kg. Only the elephant seal surpasses male walrus's range and weight among seal species, while female walruses are the largest among all female seals.

How long is a walrus tusk?

The walrus is easily distinguishable from all other Arctic seals, not only due to its size but also by the large and very visible tusks in the upper mouth of both sexes. Those two remarkable walrus teeth can grow to half a meter long, with some reaching nearly a meter in the larger Pacific walruses. Males have the longest and thickest tusks, which they use to break through ice, pull themselves onto the surface, and rest in breathing holes. Additionally, tusks serve as weapons for dominance battles and defence against predators like polar bears. However, despite their impressive size, walruses do not use their tusks to consume food.

What do walrus eat?

The walrus's diet primarily consists of clams, especially soft-shell clams, usually located in shallow waters. In certain situations, they might need to dive up to 250 meters for nearly 25 minutes to find them. It has been believed that they use their tusks for digging, but this is not accurate. Instead, they rely on the many thick and sensitive whiskers on their upper lip to locate the clams. Once a clam is in their mouth, they suck the meat out and discard the shells. Throughout this process, they push the muddy water away with one flipper (90% of the time, it is the right one), yet they can eat completely blindly, using their whiskers as "eyes." They can consume for up to 73 hours, eating approximately 7,000 clams, which equates to about 78 kg of meat, after which they sleep for a day. Outside the peak clam season, which lasts about three months, walrus's diet can be other bottom-dwelling creatures. Occasionally, they might also hunt seals or whale calves.

Are walruses dangerous?

Walruses are generally not aggressive towards humans but can be very dangerous when threatened. They utilise their tusks for defense and can fight off polar bears and other threats.

What is a baby walrus called?

A baby walrus is known as a calf. The female carries her pregnancy for 15 months and then gives birth to one pup, though twins can occur on rare occasions. The newborn baby walrus can weigh up to 75 kg and measure 1.2 m long. The pup nurses for two to three years, making it one of the longest nursing periods for any mammal.

How long does a walrus live?

Walruses can live for between 30-40 years.