Walrus Facts for Kids

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Walruses are unique and peculiar species thriving in the Arctic habitat! Chances are, you’ve rarely or never seen a Walrus, as they are not commonly found in zoos. These Interesting Walrus Facts for Kids bring you closer to these fascinating creatures.

Explore Fun Facts, Important Terminologies and Learn All about Walrus.

Walrus in Simple words

Walruses are fascinating animals known for their huge size and two large tusks. They use their tusks to haul themselves out of the water and protect themselves from predators.

Walruses have adapted well to their harsh environment. The thick blubber keeps them warm in the cold Arctic weather.

Walruses are social animals who gather on beaches and ice floes in large groups.

Important Walrus Facts

Scientific Name: Odobenus rosmarus
Type: Mammal, Marine Animal, Pinnipeds
Life Span: 30 – 40 years
Diet: Carnivore
Habitat: Polar Habitat (Arctic Habitat)
Found in: Ice-Covered Waters of The Arctic Ocean
Subspecies: 2 subspecies

Interesting Walrus Facts for Kids

Walruses are one of the largest marine mammals after Whales.
Male walruses can weigh up to 1.5 tonnes and be up to 3.5 Meters long!
Walruses have tusks that can reach up to 1 Meters!
Both male and female Walruses have tusks.
They use their tusks for digging for food, fighting, and defending themselves.
Walruses are very vocal! They communicate with each other by making loud trumpeting and snorting noises.
These noises can be heard for miles underwater!
Despite their Big size, Walruses are good swimmers!
They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater.
Walruses are social animals! They like to hang out with other walruses and will often play together.
Walruses live in groups called herds – Herds can be as large as 5,000 walruses!
Walruses have a thick layer of blubber to help them stay warm in freezing temperatures.
Walrusses have built-in icebreakers! When there’s ice blocking their way, walruses use their tusks to break through.
Walrus skin can change colour from brown to pink under the sun.

Walrus Terminologies

Baby Walrus is called Calf or Pup
The adult female is called a Cow
The adult male is called Bull
A group of walruses is called a Herd, a Colony, or a Haul-out

What do Walrus Eat?

Walruses eat shellfish! Their diet includes clams, snails, and other bottom-dwelling sea creatures.

They use their whiskers to find food, tusks to dig it up from the sea floor, and powerful suction abilities to vacuum up their food.

What are the predators of walruses?

Because Walruses are huge and have tusks, they are hard to attach, however, they have two predators

1. Polar Bears: Polar bears are strong swimmers and are known to hunt walruses in the water or on ice floes. They often target calves or smaller individuals, as adult walruses are more challenging to take down.

2. Ocras (Killer Whale): Orcas are highly intelligent and cooperative hunters. Orcas typically attack walruses in groups, using their teamwork to overwhelm and isolate their prey.

Apart from these two, Humans have been the most significant threat to walruses in recent history.

How long does a Walrus live?

In the wild, they can live for up to 30 years, with some individuals even reaching 40 years of age. This lifespan is due in part to their thick blubber layer, which helps them to stay warm in the cold Arctic environment.

Walrus Reproduction Facts

Breeding Season: Walruses typically breed during the winter months

Mating Rituals: Male walruses establish dominance through displays of size and strength. They engage in aggressive battles, often clashing their tusks together, to win the right to mate with females.

Gestation Period: After mating, female walruses have a gestation period of about 15 to 16 months, one of the longest of any mammal.

Birth: Walrus calves are typically born between April and June, usually weighing around 45 to 75 kgs at birth.

Nursing: Walrus mothers nurse their calves for about two years, during which time the calves stay close to their mothers for protection and nourishment.

Walrus are Social Animals

Walruses are social creatures, living in giant herds called colonies. These gatherings provide walruses with many benefits, like protection from predators, warmth in the cold, and sharing food.

Dominant individuals, often older males, lead hierarchical groups, with strong bonds among females and juveniles.

What are the subspecies of Walrus?

There are two species of walrus:

The Atlantic Walrus
The Pacific Walrus.

Atlantic walruses are found near Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia in the Arctic Ocean.

Pacific walruses are found near Alaska and Russia in the Arctic Ocean.

The Atlantic walruses are less migratory than the Pacific walruses. Atlantic walruses are also slightly smaller than Pacific walruses and have smaller Tusks.

Conservation status of Walrus

Walruses are threatened by climate change! Melting sea ice is making it harder for walruses to find food and mates.

Walruses are not endangered, but they are considered vulnerable to extinction.

The walrus holds a significant place in the traditions of numerous indigenous Arctic communities, where it has been hunted for its meat, fat, skin, tusks, and bones.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, widespread hunting of walruses occurred for their valuable blubber, walrus ivory, and meat.

Now, Walruses are protected by law in many countries.

Why are Walruses important for the Arctic ecosystem?

They help to regulate the population of shellfish and other marine animals.

I hope you enjoyed these Fun Facts about walruses!

Let’s all do our part to protect these amazing animals! – Reducing Waste and Conserving Energy

Walrus Important Facts – Card

Here’s a Walrus Fact Card packed with all the essential information for quick reference. You can easily save this high-quality image and print it if needed.

Walrus Video for Kids – Walrus Facts

Be sure to check out this video showcasing a herd of thousands of walruses. It’s guaranteed to captivate kids and leave them amazed!

Combine Learning with Fun Walrus Activities for kids

Here are some Fun Crafts and Printables for Kids to combine learning with Walrus walrus-themed activities!

Walrus Crafts for kids

Walrus Printables for Kids

Walrus Colouring Page (Download at the end of post among all the walrus Printables)
Walrus Worksheet
Learn the Arctic Food Web to see how Walrus is Part of Arctic Ecosystem
Learn Animals that Live in the Arctic Regions

For more Walrus Educational videos, Walrus Picture books, and fun ideas on the Walrus Unit, Check out the Walrus Activities for Kids.