Page 33 - An Anthology of Intriguing Animals (DK)

Walrus

S wimming among blocks of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is no

problem for a walrus. In water this cold, we would freeze in

minutes, but the wrinkly walrus has a layer of fat around it to keep
it warm. It is the only seal with tusks, and these help the walrus

hook onto floating ice and heave its great body out of the water.
Males also have tusk fights, and many are covered in old cuts

and scratches.

The Inuit people of North America have a legend that walruses

and other sea mammals were first created from the fingers
of a beautiful girl named Sedna. She fell out of a kayak and

became a sea goddess.

Walruses use their huge moustaches to

feel the muddy seabed for shellfish.

31

US_030_031_Walrus.indd 31 30/04/2018 12:33