View source for Walrus

[[Image:Walrus1.JPG|right|Walruses.]]

The '''Walrus''' ''Odobenus rosmarus'' is a large species of [[Arctic]] pinniped, readily distinguished from all other marine mammals by the possession of a pair of substantial tusks, used for hauling them onto ice floes. Walruses have no external ears, and are heavily whiskered, which aids them in detecting their main food, [[mollusc]]s living on the sea floor. Sometimes rogue walruses, generally large adult males, will attack and consume smaller [[seal]]s and toothed [[whale]]s. The largest walruses with the longest tusks are the most aggressive and generate threat displays most frequently.<ref>[https://seaworld.org/animals/all-about/walrus/behavior/#:~:text=The%20largest%20walruses%20with%20the,have%20a%20lower%20social%20ranking. Walrus behavior], Seaworld</ref>

Three populations, sometimes considered as subspecies, are recognized; in the north [[Atlantic Ocean]], the north [[Pacific Ocean]], and the Laptev Sea. 

Walruses have been traditionally hunted by Arctic people for their meat, hide and [[ivory]] for thousands of years. In recent times, hunting for ivory has severely impacted walrus populations. Although now protected, some [[poaching]] continues. The only other animal that preys upon adult walrus is the [[orca|killer whale]], though [[polar bear]]s will sometimes attack calves.

Though generally confined to shallow coastal areas with ice floes, walruses occasionally wander further afield, with individuals recorded from as far south as [[Scotland]] and [[Ireland]].

== Trivia ==

One of the protagonists of [[Lewis Carroll]]'s poem, ''The walrus and the carpenter'', is  a walrus and is accurately depicted feeding upon molluscs.

It features in the song by [[The Beatles]], ''I am the walrus''.

== External links ==

*[http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Odobenus_rosmarus.html Walrus]
{{NB zl pinniped}}
==References==
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[[Category:Marine Mammals]]