The walrus is a massive marine mammal of the Arctic, easily recognized by its prominent tusks and thick, wrinkled hide. An adult male can weigh over 3,000 pounds and grow up to 12 feet long. Walruses are wild animals whose behavior is complex and driven by survival instincts, not human social concepts. Their immense size and natural defensive behaviors mean that any close interaction carries a significant risk, requiring caution and respect.
Understanding Walrus Temperament
The temperament of a walrus cannot be categorized by human terms like friendly or aggressive, as their actions are purely reactive to their environment and social structure. Walruses are highly gregarious, living in large social herds that can number in the hundreds or even thousands, which is crucial for survival and heat conservation in the frigid Arctic. Within these dense haul-outs, they use physical cues and vocalizations to establish and maintain a strict hierarchy based on size and tusk length.
Walruses are naturally curious animals, and this curiosity is often directed toward novel objects, including boats and humans. This interest is not an invitation for interaction; a curious walrus can pose a serious threat simply by investigating a vessel or observer too closely. Their sheer bulk, combined with their defensive instincts, means that a sudden shift from curiosity to feeling threatened can result in a dangerous reaction. Reports exist of walruses attacking small watercraft as a defensive measure against a perceived intrusion into their space.
The Power of Tusks and Herd Dynamics
The walrus’s most recognizable feature, its tusks, are elongated upper canine teeth that serve multiple functions. Both males and females possess tusks, which can grow to over three feet long. They are used as tools to help the walrus haul out their massive bodies onto ice floes or land, earning them the name Odobenus or “tooth-walker.” They also use their tusks to maintain breathing holes through ice and to probe the seafloor for food.
In a social context, the length and condition of the tusks are direct indicators of dominance, with the largest tusks signifying the highest social status within the herd. Walruses use their tusks in displays of dominance or in fights over mates and haul-out positions, often resulting in visible scars on adult males. This constant social tension means the herd is a volatile environment, and a perceived threat can trigger a defensive reaction from multiple animals. When a walrus feels threatened, particularly a mother protecting her calf, it uses its powerful tusks as weapons against predators like polar bears or killer whales.
Herd dynamics also play a significant role in human-walrus conflict, as the sheer density of a haul-out makes the group sensitive to disturbance. If a perceived threat causes a panic, the walruses may stampede toward the water, crushing smaller or younger animals. Calves stay with their mothers for up to two years, making the presence of mothers and young a particularly sensitive situation that requires maximum distance. The survival of the group overrides individual tendencies, making the entire herd a powerful, unpredictable force.
Guidelines for Safe Observation
Observing walruses safely requires adherence to distance guidelines to prevent disturbing their natural behavior. Experts recommend maintaining a separation of at least 300 meters (about 1,000 feet) from walruses hauled out on shore to avoid causing a stampede or a defensive reaction. On the water, small vessels should keep a distance of at least 100 meters from swimming walruses, as they are powerful swimmers and may approach or attack if they feel threatened.
When approaching a haul-out site, movement should be slow, quiet, and predictable, staying downwind to prevent the animals from detecting human scent. It is important never to position oneself between the walruses and the sea, as this blocks their escape route and is likely to provoke a defensive charge. The best way to observe these powerful Arctic residents is to use binoculars and telephoto lenses, ensuring your presence does not alter their behavior.