Sunday Times E-Paper

WALRUS FACTS

There are two sub-species of walrus

The scientiÀc name for a walrus is ‘Odobenus rosmarus’. That’s Latin for ‘tooth-walking sea-horse‘!

Walrus tusks can be over 90 cm long!

Thick layers of blubber protect walruses from the cold

Walruses weigh up to 1.5 tonnes! Even baby walruses are huge! These chunky critters, known as calves, can weigh up to 75 kg at birth – that’s the same weight as some adult humans!

Their huge size comes from a steady diet of molluscs, crustaceans and worms! Walruses can sleep in water!

Walruses can live for up 40 years

These astonishing animals are very sociable, but can be aggressive. A walrus colony is a noisy place! These animals live in large groups, known as herds, which gather together on land. Indigenous Americans are the only people allowed to hunt walruses

Walruses are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Despite their formidable size, they are easily spooked! In walrus herds, any sign of danger can cause stampedes as the animals Áee land and head towards the safety of water.

ANIMALS

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2023-05-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/283115663330672

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