Surprising Fun Facts About Walruses for Kids: Walrus Size, Diet, Weight
- spencer655
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 2
Walruses are some of the most impressive and fascinating marine mammals on Earth! With their massive tusks, wrinkled skin, and incredible size, walruses have been ruling the icy Arctic waters for thousands of years. Whether you're a student, teacher, or just someone who loves learning about nature's most amazing giants, get ready to dive into the incredible world of walruses!
Where Do Walruses Live?
Walruses live in the cold Arctic waters of the northern hemisphere, where the ice meets the sea.
There are two main types of walruses: Atlantic walruses and Pacific walruses.
Pacific walruses live in the Bering and Chukchi seas between Alaska and Russia.
Atlantic walruses are found around Greenland, northern Canada, and parts of Norway.
They spend time both in the water and on sea ice or rocky shores.
Walruses migrate with the seasonal ice, following it as it moves throughout the year.
"If you see a walrus, you're probably in one of the coldest places on Earth!"
What Do Walruses Eat?
Walruses are bottom feeders with some pretty interesting eating habits!
Their favorite food is clams - they can eat up to 6,000 clams in one feeding session!
They also eat mussels, snails, worms, and other shellfish.
Walruses use their sensitive whiskers (called vibrissae) to feel around the ocean floor for food.
They can dive up to 300 feet deep to search for meals.
Some walruses occasionally eat fish, seals, or even other walruses (but this is rare).
How Fast Are Walruses on Land?
You might think walruses are slow and clumsy, but they can actually move pretty quickly when they need to!
On land, walruses can move at speeds up to 22 miles per hour for short distances.
In water, they're much more graceful and can swim at 15-20 miles per hour.
They use their powerful flippers to propel themselves through water.
On land, they move by rotating their rear flippers forward and using them like legs.
"A charging walrus might look funny, but you definitely don't want to be in its way!"
Cool Fun Facts About Walruses
Walruses are full of surprises! Here are some of the most amazing walrus facts:
Both male and female walruses have tusks - they're actually overgrown canine teeth!
Walrus tusks can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 12 pounds each.
They use their tusks to haul themselves out of the water, break through ice, and defend themselves.
A walrus can weigh as much as 4,000 pounds - that's heavier than most cars!
Their scientific name is Odobenus rosmarus, which means "tooth-walking sea horse."
Walruses can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while diving.
They have nearly 700 whiskers on their snouts!
Baby walruses are called calves and can weigh 100-165 pounds at birth.
Walruses can live up to 40 years in the wild.
They're very social animals and often gather in large groups called herds.
How Do Walruses Stay Warm?
Living in the Arctic requires some special adaptations to survive the freezing temperatures!
Walruses have a thick layer of blubber (fat) up to 6 inches thick that insulates them.
Their skin can change color - it turns pink when they're warm and pale when they're cold.
They can slow down their heart rate to conserve heat while diving in cold water.
Walruses often huddle together in groups to share body heat.
Interesting Facts About Walruses for Kids
Walruses are excellent swimmers but terrible at seeing underwater - they rely on touch instead!
They can sleep in the water by inflating air sacs in their necks like built-in life jackets.
Male walruses make loud bellowing sounds to attract mates - they can be heard for miles!
Walruses have very few natural predators - only polar bears and orcas dare to challenge them.
They molt (shed) their skin once a year, which is why they sometimes look patchy.
Walruses are surprisingly agile and can scratch their backs with their rear flippers.
A group of walruses is called a herd, pod, or huddle.
Walruses have been around for over 15 million years!
They can rotate their rear flippers forward, making them more mobile on land than seals.
Walrus mothers are very protective and will carry their babies on their backs while swimming.
"Walruses might look like gentle giants, but they're actually some of the toughest animals in the Arctic!"
Walruses may seem like simple sea creatures, but they're incredible, adaptable, and full of surprises. Whether they're diving deep for clams, using their tusks like ice picks, or bellowing across the Arctic waters, these amazing marine mammals show us just how creative nature can be in the world's most challenging environments.
"Next time you think about the Arctic, remember the mighty walrus - a true survivor of the ice age that's still thriving today!"
