#odobenus

[snototter]

A walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) surfaces in Svalbard, Norway

by Tim Melling

[mammalianmammals]

Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), family Odobenidae, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska

photograph via: USFWS

[chronivore]

Odobenus

[animalids]

Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)

Photo by Joel Garlich-Miller

[fuckyeahaquaria]

Walrus | Odobenus rosmarus

“Walruses use their iconic long tusks for a variety of reasons, each of which makes their lives in the Arctic a bit easier. They use them to haul their enormous bodies out of frigid waters, thus their “tooth-walking” label, and to break breathing holes into ice from below. Their tusks, which are found on both males and females, can extend to about three feet, and are, in fact, large canine teeth, which grow throughout their lives. Male walruses, or bulls, also employ their tusks aggressively to maintain territory and, during mating season, to protect their harems of females, or cows.

The walrus' other characteristic features are equally useful. As their favorite meals, particularly shellfish, are found near the dark ocean floor, walruses use their extremely sensitive whiskers, called mustacial vibrissae, as detection devices. Their blubbery bodies allow them to live comfortably in the Arctic region—walruses are capable of slowing their heartbeats in order to withstand the polar temperatures of the surrounding waters.” (Source)

[theartofanimation]

Odobenus

[snototter]

A walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) in Svalbard, Norway

by Fabrice Stoger

[snototter]

A female walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) and two calves in Svalbard, Norway

by Tim Melling