Walrus

The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is a large marine mammal that inhabits the cold coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean. It is easy to recognize by its long tusks, thick wrinkled skin and dense whiskers covering its broad muzzle. Both males and females have tusks, which are actually elongated canine teeth that continue growing throughout life.

Walruses use them to haul themselves onto sea ice, defend themselves, establish social rank and sometimes help maintain breathing holes in the ice. A thick layer of blubber protects them from freezing temperatures, while their sensitive whiskers allow them to detect prey hidden in muddy or sandy seabeds.

Although they spend much of their time in the water, walruses also gather in large groups on ice floes or coastal beaches to rest. Walruses feed mainly on clams and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates, which they locate with their whiskers before sucking the soft parts from the shells using powerful muscles in their mouths.

They also eat snails, worms and other marine animals, and only rarely consume larger prey. Highly social by nature, they communicate through grunts, whistles and underwater clicks. Females usually give birth to a single calf, which stays with its mother for more than two years while learning to survive in the Arctic environment. Today, walruses are affected by the loss of sea ice caused by climate change, increasing disturbance from human activities and changes to the marine ecosystems on which they depend.