Walruses

     Walruses are sea animals that live in the seas and on the shores. It lives in parts of the Arctic, North Atlantic, North Pacific oceans. It has two ivory tusks, and its four feet are called flippers. The flippers make the walrus an excellent swimmer. during the winter and spring, walruses drift along on large pieces of ice. In summer, some may rest on the shore. A walrus spends a lot of time in the water searching for clams, it's food of choice. The animal uses its tongue to suck clams into its mouth and vacuum the flesh from the shell. A walrus has whiskers on its upper lip. These bristles are sensitive to touch and help the walrus find food. Scientists classify the walrus as a kind of large seal. An adult male grows to about 12 feet long and weighs up to three tons. Adult females measure about eight feet in length, and weigh up to 2,750 lbs. The walrus is the only seal with tusks. The tusks point downward and may grow as long as 39 inches long. A walrus defends itself against polar bears with its tusks. It also uses them as hooks when climbing on to ice. Walruses do not normally attack people, however, an angry, wounded walrus can injure a hunter or damage a boat with its tusks. Walruses spend most of their time in groups. During the mating season, male walruses make unusual sounds underwater. These "bell-like songs" attract females and drive away other males. Walruses are mammals. A female walrus usually has one calf every other year and cares for her young for 2 years, but twins are rare. Baby walruses are a grayish-brown, and adults are a rusty brown color. Some walruses can live to be 40 years old or younger. Some Eskimos will hunt walruses, but mainly for their meat. Traditionally, Eskimos used the hides of walruses to make shelters or boats and burned oil from the walruses' blubber for heat and light.