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Walrus: Odobenidae

Geographic Range

Walruses are found mainly in the coastal areas of the Arctic Ocean and adjoining seas. There are two populations of walruses. Pacific walruses are found in the Bering, Chukchi, and Laptev Seas. Atlantic walruses occupy the coastal regions of Greenland and northeastern Canada.

WHY DOES A WALRUS TURN WHITE THEN BRIGHT PINK?

In cold seawater, the walrus closes its blood vessels in the skin to prevent blood flow to that area, thus preventing heat loss. The absence of blood gives the skin a pale appearance. On land under the sun, the walrus's thick blubber makes it feel hot. To prevent overheating, blood vessels in the skin are opened to carry heat from inside the body and get rid of it through the skin, turning it pink.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMammalsWalrus: Odobenidae - Physical Characteristics, Geographic Range, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Walruses And People - HABITAT, CONSERVATION STATUS