Walruses are large marine mammals inhabiting the Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas, instantly recognizable by their prominent tusks and thick whiskers. Adult males weigh over 2,000 kilograms, and they divide their lives between frigid waters and icy or terrestrial surfaces. While their immense size might suggest sluggishness, walruses possess surprising mobility both on land and in their aquatic environment. Their ability to navigate these distinct habitats efficiently allows them to thrive in extreme conditions.
On Land: Surprising Speed
Despite their bulky appearance, walruses can exhibit remarkable speed on solid ground or ice. They move by rotating their hind flippers forward, enabling them to run on all fours in a manner often described as dog-like. This quadrupedal locomotion allows for bursts of speed comparable to that of a human running, a capability that belies their cumbersome form. However, this land speed is typically for short distances, as walruses are not endurance runners. They use this agility for navigating icy landscapes, escaping dangers, or accessing breeding and resting areas.
In Water: Agile and Swift
Walruses are agile and swift in water, their primary domain. They typically swim at an average speed of about 7 kilometers per hour (4.3 miles per hour), reaching burst speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour (21.7 miles per hour) when necessary. Propulsion primarily comes from powerful, alternating strokes of their hind flippers, while fore flippers are often held close to the body or used for steering. Their streamlined bodies and thick blubber provide insulation in frigid waters and aid buoyancy. Walruses can also slow their heart rate during dives, which helps conserve oxygen, allowing them to remain submerged for up to 10 minutes.
Movement in Their World
Dual mobility is integral to walrus survival in the Arctic ecosystem. Aquatic prowess allows them to forage extensively for benthic bivalve mollusks like clams, which they locate on the seafloor using their sensitive whiskers. Swift water movement is also crucial for long-distance migrations, as they follow the sea ice edge between feeding and breeding grounds. On land, their surprising bursts of speed serve as a defense mechanism against predators like polar bears and killer whales. Both land and sea ice provide essential haul-out sites for resting, birthing, and social congregation, supporting all facets of their life cycle.