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Walrus

Odobenus rosmarus

Built-In Ice Picks: Walruses have enlarged upper canine teeth, or tusks, up to 3 feet long. The walrus uses its tusks to chop breathing holes in ice and to get from water onto floes, jabbing the ice as it hoists up its body.

Deadly Weapons: In struggles for dominance, the male displays its tusks. Usually the behavior is limited to posturing, but violence can ensue, with a walrus striking its tusks points first into its opponent. Adult males develop hide thickening on the neck and shoulders, perhaps due to scarring from such battles.

Frigid Food: Walruses feed on invertebrates such as crustaceans, starfish and mollusks, which they suck out of the shell. They also prey on fish and seals.

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FACTS: More Walrus Facts

DID YOU KNOW?

Sweeping the Floor: The walrus uses jets of water and rapid flipper movements to clear the murky sea floor in search of food.

Sucking Face: The walrus' mouth acts like a vacuum. By drawing its tongue rapidly into its mouth, like a piston, the walrus creates the suction needed to draw clams and other bivalves out of their shells.