The walrus is a large sea animal that lives in cold waters near the North Pole. It spends most of its life in the Arctic Ocean and nearby seas. It is easy to recognize because of its long tusks thick body and strong whiskers. There is only one living kind of walrus today. It has two main groups. One group lives in the Atlantic Ocean. The other lives in the Pacific Ocean.
The name walrus has an old history. It comes from early European languages. Many people believe it once meant horse whale. Over time the word changed into the name we use today. In old stories and maps walrus were often shown as strange and powerful sea creatures.
Adult walrus are very large. Some males can weigh more than a small truck. Only elephant seals are bigger among similar sea animals. Walrus spend a lot of time resting on sea ice. They also dive into shallow water to find food. Their favorite food is clams and other small animals that live on the sea floor.
Walrus are social animals. They live in large groups and often rest close together. These groups help them stay safe from danger. Walrus use their tusks to pull themselves out of the water and onto ice. They also use tusks to show strength and status among other walrus.
For many Arctic people the walrus has always been important. Indigenous communities have hunted walrus for food and survival. Meat skin fat and bone were all used. Nothing was wasted. Walrus also appear in many local stories and beliefs. They are seen as strong animals that connect people with the sea.
In the past walrus were hunted heavily by outsiders. This happened mostly in the eighteen hundreds and early nineteen hundreds. Hunters wanted their ivory fat and meat. Because of this walrus numbers dropped very fast. In some areas they almost disappeared. Later many countries made rules to stop large scale hunting. Since then some walrus populations have slowly recovered.
Today walrus still face risks. Climate change is one of the biggest problems. Walrus depend on sea ice to rest give birth and stay close to food. As ice melts they are forced to move to land in large numbers. This can cause stress and sometimes injury especially to young walrus.
Walrus have very few natural enemies. Polar bears and killer whales sometimes hunt them. Even so adult walrus are very strong and can defend themselves. Their tusks are powerful and dangerous.
Walrus play an important role in the ocean. When they search for food they disturb the sea floor. This helps move nutrients and supports other sea life. Because of this walrus are seen as a key species in the Arctic.
The walrus is more than just a large sea animal. It is part of nature history and human culture. Protecting it helps protect the Arctic itself. As the world changes the future of the walrus depends on careful action and respect for the cold seas it calls home.
