What do walruses eat?

Walruses primarily eat clams and other benthic invertebrates including mussels, sea cucumbers, and worms. They consume 80 to 110 pounds of food daily. Walruses use their sensitive whiskers to locate prey on the seafloor, then create powerful suction to extract the soft bodies from shells.

How big are walruses?

Male walruses weigh 1,760 to 3,700 pounds and reach lengths of 9 to 11.5 feet. Females are smaller at 880 to 2,750 pounds and 7.25 to 9 feet long. Pacific walruses are generally larger than Atlantic walruses. They are the third largest pinniped after two elephant seal species.

Where do walruses live?

Walruses inhabit Arctic seas in the Northern Hemisphere. Pacific walruses live in the Bering and Chukchi Seas between Alaska and Russia. Atlantic walruses occupy waters around northeastern Canada and Greenland. They require pack ice for resting and shallow waters for feeding.

Why do walruses have whiskers?

Walruses have 400 to 700 highly sensitive whiskers that detect prey on the dark ocean floor. These whiskers can sense clams buried in sediment and differentiate between objects smaller than half an inch. The whiskers allow walruses to feed efficiently in total darkness beneath Arctic ice.

How long do walruses live?

Walruses typically live 30 to 40 years in the wild. Some individuals have been documented living beyond 40 years. Females generally live longer than males. Lifespan is affected by predation, hunting pressure, ice availability, and food resources.

Are walruses endangered?

Walruses are currently classified as Vulnerable. While not immediately endangered, populations face serious threats from climate change and sea ice loss. Walruses depend on ice for resting between feeding sessions. As Arctic ice diminishes, walruses must swim longer distances and face increased crowding at haul out sites.

Walrus Facts: Tusks, Whiskers & Arctic Life

Q: How deep can walruses dive?

Walruses can dive to depths of 560 feet, though they typically feed in shallower waters of 30 to 160 feet. They can remain underwater for up to 30 minutes before surfacing to breathe. Their diving ability allows them to access clam beds on the ocean floor.

Discover the giants of the Arctic seas

Walruses are massive Arctic marine mammals with iconic tusks. Learn about walrus tusks, diving abilities, social behavior, diet, and adaptations.

Key Facts

Scientific Name

Odobenus rosmarus

Subspecies

2 (Atlantic & Pacific)

Lifespan

30 to 40 years

Weight

1,760 to 3,700 lbs (800 to 1,700 kg)

Length

7.25 to 11.5 feet (2.2 to 3.6 m)

Tusk Length

Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)

Diet

Carnivore (mollusks, invertebrates)

Dive Depth

Up to 560 feet (170 m)

Dive Duration

Up to 30 minutes

Whisker Count

400 to 700 whiskers

Social Behavior

Highly social (large groups)

Active Period

Both day and night

Quick Stats

Attribute	Value
Scientific Name	Odobenus rosmarus
Number of Subspecies	2 subspecies
Average Lifespan	30 to 40 years
Weight Range (Male)	1,760 to 3,700 lbs
Weight Range (Female)	880 to 2,750 lbs
Maximum Dive Depth	560 feet (170 m)
Blubber Thickness	Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Daily Food Intake	80 to 110 lbs (35 to 50 kg)
Conservation Status	Vulnerable

About Walrus Facts: Tusks, Whiskers & Arctic Life

Walruses are massive marine mammals that inhabit the Arctic seas. These distinctive creatures are easily recognized by their prominent tusks, thick whiskers, and enormous size.

Tusks and Their Functions

Both male and female walruses grow long ivory tusks that are actually elongated upper canine teeth. These tusks can reach over 3 feet long and weigh up to 12 pounds each. Males typically have longer and thicker tusks than females. Walruses use their tusks for multiple purposes.

Whiskers and Sensory Abilities

Walruses possess 400 to 700 highly sensitive whiskers called vibrissae arranged in rows on their broad snouts. These whiskers are among the most sensitive tactile organs in the animal kingdom. Each whisker connects to a nerve rich blood sinus that detects minute vibrations and movements. Walruses use their whiskers to locate prey on the dark ocean floor where visibility is limited.

Diving and Feeding Behavior

Walruses are capable divers that can descend to depths of 560 feet, though they typically feed in shallower waters of 30 to 160 feet. They can remain underwater for up to 30 minutes before surfacing to breathe. Walruses primarily feed on benthic invertebrates, especially clams. A walrus can consume 80 to 110 pounds of food daily.

Physical Adaptations for Arctic Life

Walruses have numerous adaptations for surviving in frigid Arctic waters. Their skin is covered by blubber up to 6 inches thick that provides insulation and energy storage. Walrus skin can be up to 1.5 inches thick in some areas, offering additional protection. They can regulate blood flow to their skin to control body temperature.

Social Structure and Behavior

Walruses are highly social animals that congregate in large groups segregated by sex for most of the year. Haul out sites can contain hundreds to thousands of individuals packed tightly together. These gatherings provide warmth, protection from predators, and social interaction. Bulls establish dominance hierarchies through displays including tusk size, body posturing, and vocalizations.

Reproduction and Maternal Care

Female walruses reach sexual maturity around 5 to 6 years old while males mature at 8 to 10 years. However, males typically do not successfully breed until they are large enough to compete, usually around age 15. Total gestation lasts about 15 to 16 months. Females give birth to a single calf every 2 to 3 years.

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Did You Know?

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Walrus tusks are actually elongated canine teeth that can grow over 3 feet long and weigh 12 pounds each

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The name Odobenus rosmarus means tooth walker, referring to how walruses use tusks to pull onto ice

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Walruses have up to 700 highly sensitive whiskers that can detect objects smaller than half an inch

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A single walrus can consume 80 to 110 pounds of clams and other invertebrates every day

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Male walruses can weigh nearly two tons, making them the third largest pinniped species

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Walruses produce bell like underwater vocalizations during mating season that can be heard above water

Frequently Asked Questions

Walrus tusks are elongated upper canine teeth made of ivory. Both males and females grow tusks that can exceed 3 feet in length and weigh up to 12 pounds each. Males typically have longer, thicker tusks than females. The tusks grow continuously throughout the walrus's life.