Walrus

Walrus facts at a glance

What is a group of walruses called?

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Tusks and feeding

Walrus tusks are elongated upper canines that can exceed one metre in large males. They are used to pull the body onto ice, establish dominance, and help the walrus 'feel' the seabed while foraging. A walrus may consume thousands of clams in a day, using powerful lips to suck meat from shells.

Social haul-outs

Walruses rest in dense groups on sea ice or rocky beaches, vocalising with bell-like calls and whistles. Pacific walruses depend heavily on floating ice over shallow feeding grounds; when ice retreats beyond reach of feeding areas, animals haul out on land in enormous, sometimes dangerous crowds.

Pacific vs Atlantic populations

Two recognised subspecies — Atlantic and Pacific — differ in size, tusk shape, and population trends. Pacific walruses number in the low hundreds of thousands; Atlantic walruses are far fewer and more fragmented across Canada, Greenland, and Arctic Europe.

Climate and conservation

Listed Vulnerable, walruses face mounting pressure from sea-ice loss, shipping disturbance, and hunting in some regions. Reduced ice forces longer swims to feeding grounds and crowded land haul-outs where stampedes can kill calves.

Did you know? Walrus facts

• Walruses are massive pinnipeds of the Arctic, with males weighing up to 1,700 kg (3,750 lb) and sporting elongated canine tusks used for hauling out on ice, fighting, and sensing the seafloor.
• Tusks typically measure 50–100 cm in large males, with record specimens slightly longer. Females also have tusks, but they are smaller.
• Mainly bivalve molluscs such as clams, which they locate on the seafloor using their sensitive whiskers and tusks. They also eat worms, snails, and occasionally seals or seabirds.
• The IUCN lists walruses as Vulnerable. Pacific populations are large but declining in some areas; Atlantic walruses face greater pressure from climate change and limited habitat.
• Walruses are generally wary but powerful and can be aggressive if cornered or if a haul-out is disturbed. Arctic travellers keep a safe distance from groups on ice or shore.
• Conservation: Vulnerable (IUCN).

Diet & feeding

Walrus feeds primarily as a carnivore — clams, molluscs, and occasional seals or seabirds. Walrus tusks are elongated upper canines that can exceed one metre in large males. They are used to pull the body onto ice, establish dominance, and help the walrus 'feel' the seabed while foraging. A walrus may consume thousands

Adaptations

• Walrus tusks are elongated upper canines that can exceed one metre in large males. They are used to pull the body onto ice, establish dominance, and help the walrus 'feel' the seabed while foraging. A walrus may consume thousands of clams in a day, using powerful lips to suck meat from shells.
• Walruses rest in dense groups on sea ice or rocky beaches, vocalising with bell-like calls and whistles. Pacific walruses depend heavily on floating ice over shallow feeding grounds; when ice retreats beyond reach of feeding areas, animals haul out on land in enormous, sometimes dangerous crowds.

Behaviour & ecology

• Walrus tusks are elongated upper canines that can exceed one metre in large males. They are used to pull the body onto ice, establish dominance, and help the walrus 'feel' the seabed while foraging. A walrus may consume thousands of clams in a day, using powerful lips to suck meat from shells.
• Walruses rest in dense groups on sea ice or rocky beaches, vocalising with bell-like calls and whistles. Pacific walruses depend heavily on floating ice over shallow feeding grounds; when ice retreats beyond reach of feeding areas, animals haul out on land in enormous, sometimes dangerous crowds.
• Two recognised subspecies — Atlantic and Pacific — differ in size, tusk shape, and population trends. Pacific walruses number in the low hundreds of thousands; Atlantic walruses are far fewer and more fragmented across Canada, Greenland, and Arctic Europe.

Communication

• Walrus uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
• Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.

Habitat & range

Arctic seas, pack ice, and coastal haul-outs

Ecological role

Walrus acts as a predator that helps regulate prey populations and maintain balance in arctic seas, pack ice, and coastal haul-outs.

Sources & references

This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Walrus:

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

  Conservation status (Vulnerable) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Odobenus rosmarus.

• IUCN Red List — Odobenus rosmarus.

  Conservation status (Vulnerable) and population trends.

• Animal Diversity Web — Odobenus rosmarus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.

  Life history, morphology, and range.

• Global Animal Guide editorial standards

  How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.