Walrus

The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is a large, iconic marine mammal in the Arctic region. Known for their long tusks, whiskered faces, and social behaviour, walruses are a keystone species of Arctic marine ecosystems.

Adult males (bulls) weigh between 800–1,700 kilograms (1,800–3,700 pounds) and can reach lengths of 3.6 metres (12 feet). Females (cows) are smaller, weighing 400–1,250 kilograms (880–2,750 pounds) and growing up to 3 metres (10 feet).

Both males and females have long tusks made of ivory, which can grow up to 1 metre (3.3 feet). These tusks are used for defence, dominance displays, and pulling their bodies onto ice.

Walruses have thick, sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) around their snouts that help them detect prey on the seafloor.

Their skin is thick and wrinkled, ranging from brown to pinkish, depending on blood circulation. A thick layer of blubber insulates them from the cold Arctic waters.

Walruses are bottom feeders, primarily eating bivalve molluscs (e.g., clams), but their diet may include other invertebrates like worms, snails, and crabs.

They are highly social and gather in large groups called herds, which can number thousands. Herds are segregated by sex outside the breeding season.