Tusks and whiskers
Walruses are large seals with long tusks and sensitive whiskers that they use to find clams on the seabed. They rest in huge, crowded groups on ice and beaches.
An underwater songwriter
In the breeding season males produce a series of knocks and bell-like sounds underwater, in patterns that are distinct from one male to the next. On land, walruses use roars, grunts and barks to signal and to settle disputes about space on crowded haul-outs.
A fast-changing home
Walruses rest on sea ice between feeding trips. As summer ice retreats, large numbers crowd onto beaches where stampedes can injure young animals, and long journeys to feeding grounds use more energy.
Listen
What it sounds like: Bell-like knocks and whistles underwater; grunts and roars on land.
To hear independent recordings, try Freesound. Check each recording’s licence before reusing it. See Media & Sources.
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List as we understand it at the time of writing. Assessments are revised regularly, so please check the IUCN Red List for the current listing.