Walruses are large, distinctive marine mammals of the Arctic, easily recognized by their prominent tusks and whiskers. Their imposing features and substantial size often lead people to question their disposition. While their appearance might suggest a certain temperament, understanding walrus behavior requires a closer look at their natural instincts and interactions within their environment. This exploration helps to clarify the complexities of their nature beyond simple notions of “friendliness.”
Understanding Walrus Behavior
Walruses are highly social animals, found in large groups, sometimes numbering thousands, called herds or haul-outs. They often rest in close physical contact with one another, which helps them conserve warmth in the cold Arctic environment. These gatherings are noisy, filled with various vocalizations such as whistles, barks, and deep roars, which walruses use for communication within their social groups and during mating rituals.
Walruses play a significant role in their ecosystem as a keystone species. They primarily feed on bottom-dwelling invertebrates like clams and mollusks, using their sensitive whiskers to locate food on the seafloor. Their feeding activity, which involves churning up the seabed, releases nutrients into the water, benefiting other marine life. This behavior is driven by their adaptations to their Arctic habitat.
Walruses and Human Interaction
Walruses are not aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened. Their large size, with males weighing over a ton and possessing tusks up to three feet long, makes them capable of inflicting serious harm. While not typically predatory towards humans, defensive behaviors can occur, particularly if their young are in danger. Instances of walruses attacking or capsizing boats have been documented, especially if they feel threatened.
Observing walruses safely requires maintaining considerable distance and respecting their space. Approaching too closely or making sudden movements or loud noises can disturb them, potentially leading to a stampede, which can be fatal for smaller individuals within the herd. Use binoculars and telephoto lenses for viewing and photography, avoiding actions that make the animals aware of human presence. Specific guidelines suggest maintaining distances ranging from 0.5 to 3 nautical miles for vessels, depending on their size, and at least 400 meters on land.
Influences on Walrus Temperament
Several factors can influence a walrus’s behavior, leading to heightened defensiveness. During mating season, male walruses can become more territorial and aggressive as they compete for breeding rights. These conflicts involve tusk-to-tusk combat and vocal displays. Females are fiercely protective of their calves; mothers may become dangerously aggressive if their young are threatened, often sheltering them under their flippers.
Disturbance from human activities, such as noise from boats, aircraft, or close proximity, can elicit strong reactions. This sensitivity to noise can lead to stress and disorientation, and in large haul-outs, it can trigger stampedes that result in injuries or fatalities, particularly among calves. Environmental changes, such as the diminishing sea ice habitat due to climate change, also affect walrus behavior by forcing them to congregate in larger numbers on coastal land, which can increase stress and the likelihood of disturbances.