Walrus Facts

• Atlantic Walrus Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus
• Pacific Walrus O. r. divergens
• Laptev Walrus O. r. laptevi

According to the 1839 text, The natural history of the amphibious carnivora

"It has been well remarked, that the Walrus forms a connecting link between the Mammalia of the land and those of the water, corresponding in some of its characters both with the Bullock and the Whale. It is often seen of the size of a great Ox, and sometimes exceeds the dimensions of the gigantic Elephant."

The most remarkable feature, however, in its countenance is its great muzzle, produced by the bony structure being accommodated for the reception of the tusks; these project from eighteen inches to two feet, and diverge at their points. The lips are remarkably thick, and are covered with great pellucid bristles as big as a straw. The neck is short; the body, very bulky, is broadest round the chest, and diminishes toward the tail, which is very short.

As a defence against the extreme cold, these animals have a hide that is from an inch to two inches thick, covered with close hair; and they likewise possess, like the Whale tribe, a coating of oily fat, with which their bodies are completely enveloped."

The walrus's great size and tusks have long served as a source of food and trophy for both native Eskimo and non-native hunters.

Pacific Walrus males, the largest walrus, can grow twelve feet long and weigh up to eight hundred pounds. Their tusks can grow over three feet in length.

From the seventeenth century to the mid-twentieth century, walrus hunting, along with whale hunting, occupied a substantial portion of most large-scale western commercial fleets.

Today the Atlantic population remains at low levels, and concerns are voiced that melting Arctic Sea Ice, the traditional Walrus breeding ground, could place stress on an otherwise recovered Pacific population.

Contemporary walrus hunting is limited to native Americans. Other states also regulate walrus hunting, and trade in walrus is further regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

© 2010. Patricia A. Michaels