The walrus is one of the most recognizable animals of the Arctic, not because it is fast or graceful, but because it is powerful, ancient-looking, and perfectly adapted to a harsh world of ice and cold water. With its long tusks, thick whiskers, and massive body, the walrus looks like a creature from another age — and in many ways, it is.
Walruses live mainly in the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas, including areas near Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. They spend most of their lives in cold coastal waters, hauling themselves onto ice floes or rocky shores to rest between feeding sessions. Unlike many marine mammals that rely on speed, walruses survive through size, strength, and social cooperation
One of the walrus’s most famous features is its tusks. These long, curved teeth can grow over three feet long and are present in both males and females. Tusks are not just for display or fighting; they are practical tools. Walruses use them to pull themselves out of the water onto ice, to defend against predators like polar bears, and sometimes to establish dominance within a group. Despite their intimidating appearance, walruses are generally not aggressive unless threatened.
Another striking feature is the walrus’s face, especially its thick mustache made of stiff whiskers called vibrissae. These whiskers are extremely sensitive and play a crucial role in feeding. Walruses are bottom feeders, spending hours searching the seafloor for clams, snails, and other small invertebrates. Using their whiskers, they can detect prey hidden beneath mud and sand, even in dark or murky water. Once they find food, they use strong suction to pull the soft parts out of shells, often leaving empty shells behind.
Walruses are highly social animals. They gather in large groups called herds, sometimes numbering in the thousands. These gatherings are noisy, crowded, and full of physical contact. While this might seem chaotic, it provides important benefits. Group living helps protect individuals from predators and keeps them warm in cold environments. Calves stay close to their mothers for several years, learning essential survival skills during that time.
Despite their strength and adaptability, walruses face serious challenges today. Climate change is reducing sea ice, which walruses rely on for resting and breeding. As ice disappears, many walruses are forced to haul out on land in massive numbers, increasing the risk of injury, disease, and disturbance from human activity. Conservation efforts now focus on protecting habitats and minimizing human impact in key walrus regions.
The walrus is more than just a symbol of the Arctic; it is a reminder of how closely life is tied to the environment. Its survival depends not only on its impressive biology, but on the future of the frozen seas it calls home.@Walrus 🦭/acc 
