Walrus: Arctic profile

Filed under Arctic wildlife · Narwhal Whales editorial team

The walrus is among the largest pinnipeds inhabiting Arctic waters, distinguished by its prominent tusks and dense covering of bristly whiskers. Both males and females develop elongated canine teeth that serve multiple functions: they anchor the animal's massive body as it hauls itself onto ice, establish social hierarchy through visual display, and assist in maintaining breathing holes in the frozen surface. These adaptations make the walrus uniquely suited to life in one of Earth's most demanding marine environments.

Walruses are benthic feeders, diving to the seafloor in relatively shallow waters to locate prey using their highly sensitive whiskers as sensory organs. Their diet consists primarily of bottom-dwelling invertebrates, particularly clams, which they extract from sediment and consume in large quantities to sustain their substantial body mass. A single walrus may consume dozens of clams during a feeding session, making efficient foraging essential to survival in the Arctic.

Social behavior defines much of walrus ecology. These animals are intensely gregarious, hauling out onto ice floes and coastal shorelines in large aggregations where they rest, interact, and breed. The stability of seasonal sea ice is fundamental to walrus life cycles, providing essential platforms for nursing calves and recovering between feeding bouts. As Arctic waters warm and sea ice declines, walruses face increasing pressure on their habitat and way of life, making them a significant indicator species for environmental change in the polar north.

Sources: IUCN Red List — Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus); NOAA Fisheries — Pacific Walrus (overview). Educational information only. See our sources & fact-check policy.

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