Walruses are remarkable marine mammals that inhabit the harsh environments of the Arctic. Their enormous tusks, long whiskers, and massive bodies make them one of the most recognizable animals of the northern seas. Despite their seemingly clumsy appearance, walruses are highly resilient, social, and surprisingly sensitive creatures. They play a crucial role in Arctic ecosystems and have long fascinated both indigenous peoples and scientists. Below is a collection of fascinating facts about walruses that you may not have known.
- Walruses have very long tusks that can grow over one meter in length. These tusks continue growing throughout the animal’s life and are used for defense, competing for territory, and hauling their bodies onto ice. Both males and females have tusks, although they are generally larger in males.
- A walrus’s whiskers are extremely sensitive and help them detect food on the ocean floor. They can sense even the smallest movements or objects hidden in mud or sand. These whiskers, known as vibrissae, can number up to 700 and act like individual touch sensors.
- Adult walruses can weigh up to 1.5 tons, and some large males exceed that weight. Despite their massive size, they are quite agile in water thanks to strong flippers and a thick layer of blubber that aids in buoyancy. On land, they move more slowly but can still react quickly when threatened.
- Walruses primarily feed on bivalve mollusks such as clams and mussels. They suck the soft tissue out of shells using powerful suction generated in their mouths. An adult walrus can consume more than 50 kilograms of food per day.
- Walruses have thick skin and a layer of blubber that can be up to 15 centimeters thick. This blubber acts as insulation in freezing Arctic waters and serves as an energy reserve. The color of their skin can range from pink to brown or gray, depending on the surrounding temperature.
- In the wild, walruses can live up to 40 years. They reach sexual maturity at around 7 to 10 years of age. Females usually give birth to one calf every few years, and the nursing period can last up to two years.
- Walruses are highly social animals that form large herds numbering in the thousands. These groups follow a hierarchy based on age, size, and tusk length. Walruses spend much of their time resting on ice, communicating through sounds and physical contact.
- Walruses produce a variety of vocalizations including roars, whistles, and grunts. They are especially loud during the mating season, when males attempt to attract females by displaying their strength. Sound communication also plays an important role in foggy conditions and underwater.
- Walruses can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes and dive to depths of over 100 meters. Their bodies are adapted to low oxygen conditions thanks to high levels of myoglobin in their muscles and the ability to slow their heart rate. These traits help them forage efficiently on the ocean floor.
- A walrus’s tusks are not only tools but also symbols of social status. Larger tusks help males maintain dominance, particularly during mating season. Losing or damaging a tusk can lower a walrus’s rank in the group hierarchy.
- Walruses have few natural predators, mainly orcas and polar bears. However, due to their size and strength, adult walruses are difficult to kill, so predators typically target calves or weakened individuals. When threatened, adult walruses form protective circles around their young.
- Walruses are an important part of the culture and livelihood of many Arctic peoples such as the Inuit and Chukchi. They use walrus meat for food, blubber for fuel and heating, and skin and tusks for tools and artistic objects. Today, walrus hunting is regulated by international agreements to protect the species.
- When resting, walruses often gather in large, tightly packed groups on shore or ice. This helps them retain body heat and provides protection from predators. These gatherings can stretch for hundreds of meters and resemble a massive “carpet” of walrus bodies.
- Walruses have a unique circulatory system that helps them quickly adapt to changing temperatures. Blood flow can be directed mainly to vital organs to reduce heat loss. This allows them to survive even in icy waters.
- Walruses can move across ice by using their tusks as hooks. They stab them into the ice and pull their bodies upward, almost like climbing stairs. This behavior is especially common among males seeking higher ground on ice platforms.
- In captivity, walruses tend to be gentle and quickly become accustomed to human presence. They are kept in some aquariums where they participate in educational and research programs. However, due to their size and specific needs, keeping walruses requires substantial resources.
Walruses are extraordinary creatures that combine strength, endurance, and social intelligence in one of the planet’s most extreme environments. These amazing facts help us better understand their behavior, biology, and importance in the natural world. You may not have known how intelligent and socially complex these seemingly slow-moving animals truly are. Their ability to adapt to the challenges of Arctic life is a true testament to nature’s ingenuity.
