Atlantic Walrus

The Atlantic walrus primarily inhabits the cold coastal waters off northeastern Canada and Greenland. Unlike its Pacific counterpart, the Atlantic subspecies is found exclusively in the North Atlantic region. They rely heavily on the shallow, icy continental shelves of the Arctic for their feeding habits.

The Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus glacialis) is a distinct subspecies that differs from the Pacific walrus primarily through its smaller stature and paler skin. It is classified within the Phocidae family, which encompasses all true seals and walruses. The two populations are also geographically separated by the Arctic ice cap.

Atlantic walruses are benthic foragers, meaning they feed on organisms resting on the ocean floor. Their diet predominantly consists of clams, which they locate using their highly sensitive whiskers. They create water jets with their flippers to excavate the seabed and extract their prey.

The Atlantic walrus faces threats from climate change and shrinking sea ice, though its exact conservation status varies by specific region. Historically, severe hunting nearly decimated the population before protective measures were implemented in the mid-20th century. Today, researchers carefully monitor their numbers to ensure the species' long-term survival.