What Eats Walruses? (4 Predators with Pictures)

Examples of Animals that Eat Walruses include sharks, humans, killer whales, and polar bears.

Walruses are relatively easy to catch and provide a lot of meat. While walruses are large and tough animals, they are no match for the strength and speed of most apex predators.

Some people also hunt walruses for their meat and ivory. Walrus ivory is highly sought after because it is very strong and can be carved into beautiful objects. Hunting for ivory has contributed to the decline of walrus populations in some areas.

Despite the threats they face, walruses are still found in large numbers in the Arctic and subarctic regions. They are an important part of the ecosystem and play a key role in keeping the Arctic environment healthy.

What Eats Walruses

Examples of Animals that Eat Walruses

1. Great White Shark

Scientific NameCarcharodon carcharias
Type of AnimalFish
RangeWorldwide

The great white shark is a large predator that feeds on a variety of animals, including walruses. These sharks are one of the largest and most feared predators in the ocean and can reach up to 20 feet in length. They have sharp teeth that can easily tear through flesh, making them a formidable opponent for any animal.

The great white shark is a top predator in the ocean food chain and plays an important role in keeping the ecosystem in balance. However, these sharks are threatened by humans, who often hunt them for their valuable fins or teeth. In addition, great white sharks are sometimes accidentally caught by fishermen targeting other species. As a result of these threats, the great white shark is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Despite their fearsome reputation, great white sharks are actually very timid animals. They are more likely to flee from danger than attack. In fact, there have only been a handful of documented cases of unprovoked attacks by great white sharks on humans. However, if a great white shark does feel threatened, it can be a dangerous opponent. These sharks are known to attack boats and humans who enter their territory.

Related Article: What Eats Sharks?

2. Humans

Scientific NameHomo sapiens
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeWorldwide

Humans are the biggest predator of walruses, as they have hunted these animals for their meat, blubber, and ivory tusks for centuries. Today, hunting walruses is still done in some parts of the world, though it is now illegal in most countries.

Walruses have been hunted by humans for their meat, blubber, and ivory tusks for centuries. Today, hunting walruses is still done in some parts of the world, though it is now illegal in most countries. Some people hunt walruses out of necessity, as they rely on the animals for food or their livelihood. However, most people hunt walruses for sport, as the animals are considered a trophy to be hunted and killed.

The hunting of walruses has had a negative impact on their populations. The removal of large numbers of animals from the population can decrease the overall health of the population and make it more susceptible to disease or other threats. Additionally, the hunting of walruses can cause disruptions in their social structures and lead to increased aggression among the animals.

Walruses are currently listed as a species that is of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, if the hunting of walruses continues at the current rate, it is possible that the animals could become endangered in the future.

3. Orcas

Scientific NameOrcinus orca
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeAll Oceans

Killer whales are also very effective predators of walruses. They are the largest of the dolphins and can weigh up to 50 tons. They use their powerful jaws to crush the bones of their prey, and can easily take down walrus.

Killer whales have also been known to attack and kill beluga whales, narwhals, and even blue whales. They are apex predators, which means that they have no natural predators of their own. However, they can be killed by humans if they are hunted or captured for entertainment purposes.

Killer whales are very social animals and typically travel in pods of up to 40 individuals. They are known to be very playful, and often engage in aerial acrobatics. They are also one of the few animals that have been observed to mourn their dead.

4. Polar Bears

Scientific NameUrsus maritimus
Type of AnimalMammal
Rangenorth of the Arctic Circle to the North Pole

Polar bears are the most dangerous predators of walruses. These massive animals can weigh up to 1,500 pounds, and their long claws are perfect for puncturing the thick skin of a walrus. They will often stalk their prey for hours, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Once they have caught a walrus, they will often eat it right there on the beach. This can be a dangerous meal for a polar bear, as walruses are known to fight back and can easily crush a polar bear’s skull with their large tusks.

Polar bears are also known to eat seals, which they will hunt in the same way as walruses. Their main prey, however, is the small, delicate Arctic fox. These foxes are easy for a polar bear to catch, and they provide a good source of fat and protein. Polar bears will also eat birds, eggs, and anything else they can find. In the summer months, when their prey is scarce, polar bears have been known to eat grass and even berries.

Conclusion

In the animal kingdom, there are many predators that prey on walruses. These animals include polar bears, orcas, and sharks. While these predators can kill a walrus, they typically only do so when they are desperate or when the opportunity arises. In most cases, the primary danger to a walrus comes from humans. Coastal development and oil exploration have led to an increase in walrus hunting. This has put the animals at risk of becoming extinct.

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