Sila Encyclopedia

Walrus

Walruses are large semi-aquatic mammals that live in the cold Arctic seas of the Northern Hemisphere. Walruses mate in the water and give birth on land or ice floes. They feed in the water, diving to depths of 300 ft (91 m), sometimes staying under for as long as a half hour. In the sea they sometimes catch fish but generally graze along the sea bottom for clams which they suck from their shells. The walrus's tusks serve to pry out shellfish from their beds. Male walruses compete for territory, often fighting each other. Older male walruses frequently bear large scars from these bloody but rarely fatal battles.

Related Items: Arctic Char . Arctic Tern . Avatak (harpoon float) . Bearded Seal . Beluga . Blubber Lamp (Qulliq) . Dogsled . Dog Team . Igloo . Jigging Stick . Kavikak . Niksik . Polar Bear . Rifle . Ringed Seal . Ulu . Unaaq (harpoon) . Walrus .