The walrus or morse (Trichechus rosmarus) is a large pinniped marine carnivore similar to the seal but constituting a special family, the Trichechidae or Odobenidae. It is confined to the Arctic regions and occurs in two varieties, a Pacific and an Atlantic form. It is a clumsy animal reaching a length of 3.5 meters and a weight of 1400 kg. As in the eared seals, the hind limbs are capable of being turned forwards to support the weight of the body, and the first and fifth toes are larger than the three median ones. The toes of the hind feet have, further, large lobes projecting beyond the ends of the bones. External ears are totally absent, and the canines of the upper jaw are greatly enlarged to form conspicuous projecting tusks. The muzzle is divided into two parts by a groove between the nostrils, and the upper lip is furnished at each side with a number of conspicuous bristles. The tail is small, the fore limbs nearly as large s the hind, and there are five small claws on both fore and hind feet. Walruses are usually found in the vicinity of land or floating ice. They are markedly social and except during the breeding season or when attacked are gentle and inoffensive. Research Walrus
Abbreviations
Nature
Research Walrus