The walrus is one of the most recognizable animals of the Arctic, not because it is fast or fierce, but because it is massive, wrinkled, and strangely charismatic. With its long tusks, thick whiskers, and slow, deliberate movements, the walrus looks almost prehistoric, as if it belongs to another age. Yet this marine mammal is perfectly adapted to one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Walruses live primarily in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and nearby seas. They spend much of their time in shallow coastal areas where the seafloor is rich with clams and other shellfish. Despite their size—adult males can weigh more than 1,500 kilograms—walruses are surprisingly graceful swimmers. In the water, their bulk seems to disappear as they glide using their powerful flippers.
One of the walrus’s most striking features is its tusks. These long canine teeth can grow over a meter in length and are used for a variety of purposes. Walruses use their tusks to haul themselves out of the water onto ice, to establish dominance during social interactions, and sometimes to defend themselves against predators like polar bears. Contrary to popular belief, walruses do not usually use their tusks to dig for food. Instead, they rely on their sensitive whiskers, called vibrissae, to detect shellfish buried in the mud. Once they locate a clam, they use suction to pull the meat from the shell with impressive efficiency.
Walruses are highly social animals. They often gather in large groups, known as haul-outs, on ice floes or rocky shores. These gatherings can include hundreds or even thousands of individuals. While they may appear lazy as they rest in close contact with one another, these groups play an important role in communication and protection. Walruses are vocal animals, producing a wide range of sounds such as grunts, whistles, and bell-like tones, especially during mating season.
Life in the Arctic is not easy, and walruses face many challenges. Thick blubber helps them survive freezing temperatures, but it also makes them vulnerable to overheating when out of the water for too long. In recent years, climate change has become a serious threat. As sea ice melts, walruses are forced to rest on land more frequently, leading to overcrowding and dangerous stampedes that can injure or kill young calves.
Despite these difficulties, the walrus remains a symbol of resilience in the Arctic ecosystem. Indigenous Arctic communities have lived alongside walruses for thousands of years, respecting them as an important source of food, materials, and cultural identity. Today, conservation efforts aim to protect walruses and their habitat so that future generations can continue to witness this remarkable creature.
The walrus may not be sleek or elegant by traditional standards, but its quiet strength and adaptability make it one of the most fascinating animals on the planet.
