Family: Odobenidae, Walruses view all from this family

Description A large pinkish seal with tusks, which are greatly enlarged canine teeth. Broad snout is covered with short whiskers. The color of an individual can vary from white to pink to reddish brown as blood flow to the skin changes for temperature control. Atlantic Walrus is smaller, with smoother skin and more rounded snouts than Pacific Walrus. Male is larger, with larger tusks and thick skin on the neck and shoulders.

Dimensions 2.5-3.5m, 590-1656kg; / 2.3-3.1m, 400-1250kg

Habitat Beaches, shorelines & estuaries, Offshore waters

Range Alaska

Discussion Tusks are used in displays to intimidate other males, and often break in fights between males. A clumsy walker on ice and rocks, it is an adept diver to forage on prey dwelling on the ocean bottom, including crabs, anemones, sea cucumbers, shrimp, clams, worms, snails, octopuses, tunicates, fish, and occasionally other seals.