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Global Animal Guide

Where Do Walruses Live?

Quick answer

Walruses are native to North America and Europe and Asia. Arctic seas and pack ice of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, including Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia's Chukchi and Bering seas.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Arctic seas and pack ice of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, including Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia's Chukchi and Bering seas.

Continents and countries

Walruses occur across North America and Europe and Asia. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Arctic seas, pack ice, and coastal haul-outs provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where walruses persist today.

FAQs

Where do walruses live in the wild?

Arctic seas and pack ice of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, including Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia's Chukchi and Bering seas.

What do walruses eat?

They feed on carnivore — clams, molluscs, and occasional seals or seabirds, varying by season and local habitat.

Are walruses endangered?

Walruses are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

How big is a walrus?

Adults weigh about 1200 kg and reach roughly 3.2 m long.

Sources

← Back to Walrus guide