Top 20 Verified and Intriguing Walrus Facts
Walruses, the iconic tusked mammals of the Arctic, are marvels of nature’s adaptation. These massive marine creatures have fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts for centuries, yet many aspects of their lives remain shrouded in mystery.
In this article, we cut through the blubber of misinformation to present 20 verified, intriguing facts about walruses. From their unique physical attributes to their crucial role in Arctic ecosystems, we’ll explore what makes these animals truly remarkable.
1. Walrus tusks can grow up to 3 feet long.
Walruses are known for their impressive tusks. These tusks can grow up to 3 feet long in some individuals.
The tusks are actually enlarged canine teeth. They stick out from both sides of the walrus’s mouth.
Walruses use their tusks for many tasks. They help break through ice and assist in climbing onto ice floes. Tusks also play a role in social interactions and establishing dominance among walruses.
2. Walrus tusks serve as ice picks for hauling out of water
Walruses use their large tusks to haul themselves out of the water and onto ice floes. These tusks, which are elongated canine teeth, can grow up to 1 meter long in adult males.
The tusks act like ice picks, helping walruses grip the slippery ice surface. They dig the sharp points into the ice and use their strong neck muscles to pull their heavy bodies out of the water.
This unique adaptation allows walruses to easily move between water and ice, which is crucial for their survival in the harsh Arctic environment.
3. Walruses mainly eat shellfish from the sea floor
Walruses have a unique diet that focuses on shellfish from the ocean floor. They prefer mollusks, especially clams, which they find in shallow waters.
These marine mammals use their sensitive whiskers to locate food on the seabed. Their powerful suction allows them to extract soft parts from shells without ingesting the hard outer casings.
Besides clams, walruses also eat other benthic invertebrates like worms, snails, and sea cucumbers. This diet helps sustain their large bodies in the Arctic environment.
4. Walrus blubber can be up to 6 inches thick for insulation
Walruses have an impressive layer of blubber that helps them survive in icy Arctic waters. This layer of fat can be as thick as 15 cm (6 inches), providing crucial insulation against the cold.
The thick blubber keeps walruses warm in freezing temperatures. It acts like a built-in wetsuit, maintaining their body heat in chilly ocean environments.
Blubber also serves as an energy reserve for walruses. When food is scarce, they can rely on these fat stores to sustain them. This adaptation is key to their survival in the harsh Arctic habitat.
5. Male walruses are significantly larger than females
Male walruses are much bigger than females. Adult male walruses can grow up to 11 feet long and weigh over 4,000 pounds. This is about the same as two small cars.
Female walruses are smaller. They can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh around 3,000 pounds.
This size difference is common in many marine mammals. It helps males compete for mates and protect their groups.
6. Walruses communicate using barks, grunts, and bellows.
Walruses are very vocal animals. They use a variety of sounds to communicate with each other. These sounds include barks, grunts, and bellows.
Each sound has a different purpose. Barks might be used to warn others of danger. Grunts could signal annoyance or discomfort.
Male walruses make special sounds during mating season. They can sing for many hours underwater. These songs help attract mates and show dominance.
Walruses also use body language and touch to communicate. They often huddle close together when resting on land or ice.
7. A group of walruses is called a herd or a pod.
Walruses are social animals that often gather in large groups. These groups are commonly called herds or pods.
A herd typically refers to walruses on land or ice. When swimming together in the water, they’re often called a pod.
Herds can be quite large, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands. These gatherings help walruses stay warm and protect themselves from predators.
8. Walruses can weigh up to 1,500 kilograms (1.5 tons)
Walruses are massive marine mammals. Adult males can reach weights of up to 1,500 kilograms, which is equal to 1.5 tons.
This makes walruses one of the largest pinnipeds in the world. Their impressive size helps them survive in the harsh Arctic environment.
Female walruses are typically smaller than males. They usually weigh between 600 to 850 kilograms. This sexual dimorphism is common among many marine mammal species.
9. Walruses can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater
Walruses are impressive divers with the ability to stay underwater for extended periods. They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while diving and foraging for food.
This remarkable skill allows walruses to search for clams and other prey on the ocean floor. They have special adaptations that help them conserve oxygen during these long dives.
Walruses can slow their heart rate and redirect blood flow to vital organs. These physiological changes help them withstand the pressures of deep dives and stay submerged for longer.
10. Polar bears and orcas are the main natural predators of walruses
Walruses face two main threats in the wild: polar bears and orcas. These powerful predators have adapted to hunt these large marine mammals.
Polar bears often target young walrus calves or injured adults. They use their strength and sharp claws to overcome their prey on land or ice.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, hunt walruses in the water. They use their speed and intelligence to chase and attack walruses, particularly in open seas.
Walruses have developed defensive strategies against these predators. They often gather in large groups for protection and can use their tusks to fight back when threatened.
11. The scientific name “Odobenus rosmarus” means “tooth-walking sea-horse”
Walruses have a unique scientific name that describes their appearance and behavior. Odobenus rosmarus is Latin for “tooth-walking sea-horse”. This name perfectly captures the essence of these marine mammals.
The “tooth-walking” part refers to the walrus’s large tusks. These tusks help them move on land and ice. The “sea-horse” component describes their horse-like face and aquatic lifestyle.
This scientific name shows how early naturalists saw walruses. It highlights the animal’s most striking features in a simple yet descriptive way.
12. Walruses have a strong sense of smell and excellent hearing
Walruses rely on their sharp senses to navigate their environment. They have an excellent sense of smell and hearing. These abilities help them find food and stay alert to potential dangers.
Their keen sense of smell allows walruses to detect prey hidden in the ocean floor. They can sniff out clams and other shellfish buried in the sand.
Walruses also have impressive hearing. Eskimos imitating walrus sounds have gotten responses from walruses a mile away. This shows how well they can hear underwater and on land.
13. They use their whiskers, also known as vibrissae, to detect prey.
Walruses have sensitive whiskers called vibrissae. These whiskers help them find food in the ocean.
Walruses use their vibrissae to feel around on the seafloor. They can sense small movements and textures. This helps them find clams, snails, and other prey hidden in the sand.
Whiskers are important sensory tools for many animals. For walruses, they are key to successful hunting underwater where vision is limited.
14. Walruses are social animals often seen in large groups.
Walruses are highly social creatures. They often gather in large groups called herds. These herds can include hundreds or even thousands of walruses.
Walruses like to stay close together on ice floes or beaches. This helps them keep warm in the cold Arctic climate. They lay on top of each other in these groups.
Herds are important for walrus survival. They provide safety and help with breeding. Walruses also use these groups for resting and social bonding.
15. A baby walrus is called a calf and stays with its mother for up to three years
Baby walruses are known as calves. These young animals rely heavily on their mothers for care and protection.
Walrus calves nurse for about two years, sometimes longer. They often feed in the water or on ice.
Mothers teach their calves important survival skills. They show them how to find food and stay safe from predators.
The strong bond between a walrus mother and calf can last up to three years. This extended period helps ensure the calf’s survival in the harsh Arctic environment.
16. Some walruses migrate hundreds of miles to find food.
Walruses are known for their impressive migration habits. They can travel long distances in search of food and suitable habitats.
Some walruses migrate up to 1,800 miles each year. This journey takes them between their summer and winter feeding grounds.
These marine mammals swim through icy waters to reach areas with abundant food sources. They mainly seek out clams, mollusks, and other seafloor creatures.
17. There are two distinct subspecies: Atlantic and Pacific walruses
Walruses are split into two main groups: Atlantic and Pacific walruses. These subspecies live in different parts of the Arctic.
Atlantic walruses inhabit the waters around Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. Pacific walruses are found between Russia and Alaska, in the Bering and Chukchi Seas.
The two types look similar, but Pacific walruses are a bit bigger. Their tusks also tend to be longer. Both kinds have thick, grayish skin and impressive whiskers.
18. Walruses can sleep while swimming using special air sacs
Walruses have an amazing ability to sleep while floating in water. They use special air sacs in their necks to stay afloat.
These air sacs can inflate to about the size of a beach ball. When filled with air, they act like a built-in life jacket for the walrus.
The air sacs allow walruses to bob up and down in a vertical position. This keeps their heads above water while they rest or sleep.
19. Climate change poses a significant threat to walrus habitats
Climate change is melting sea ice in the Arctic, which walruses rely on for resting, breeding, and nursing their young. This loss of ice forces walruses to haul out on land in large numbers.
Land-based haul-outs can lead to overcrowding and stampedes, putting young walruses at risk. The warming of Arctic waters also affects the availability of the walrus’s food sources, mainly bottom-dwelling invertebrates.
20. Walruses can live up to 40 years in the wild
Walruses have a long lifespan compared to many other marine mammals. They can live up to 40 years in their natural habitat. This impressive longevity allows them to play a significant role in their Arctic ecosystems over several decades.
In captivity, walruses tend to have shorter lives. They typically survive for 20-30 years when kept in zoos or marine parks. The wild environment seems to provide better conditions for their long-term health and survival.
Walruses reach sexual maturity around 7 years old. However, males don’t reach full physical maturity until about 15 years of age. This long development period contributes to their extended lifespan.
