Pacific walrus

The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is a large, seal-like mammal found in Arctic seas. It is a subspecies of the walrus, with males being slightly larger and possessing longer tusks than the Atlantic subspecies. Walruses have thick, grayish skin with folds and are covered in short, reddish hair. They have rounded heads, small eyes, and a broad muzzle with prominent whiskers.

Both male and female walruses have long tusks, which are upper canine teeth that grow downward. These tusks are primarily used for mating displays and defense, not for digging for food. Walruses feed on clams, mussels, and occasionally fish or small seals, typically at depths of 10 to 50 meters. They are gregarious animals, often found in groups of 100 or more, and inhabit coasts and ice floes. They can move all four flippers forward to crawl on land. Walruses can live for over 40 years in the wild and are preyed upon by polar bears and killer whales. They are hunted by Indigenous peoples for their blubber, hide, and ivory tusks.12