Walrus Species and General Facts
Walruses are large marine mammals in the family Odobenidae. They live in Arctic waters and are known for their long tusks, whiskers, and blubber. There are two recognized subspecies: the Atlantic walrus and the Pacific walrus.
Historical Range and California
Historically, Pacific walruses ranged from the Bering Sea to areas near California during the Pleistocene. Fossil evidence shows walruses once inhabited Southern California coastal waters. Today, their modern range is much farther north, centered around the Bering and Chukchi Seas.
Sightings, Strandings, and Conservation
Occasional walruses have been observed far south of their usual range, including along the U.S. West Coast. These rare events are documented by marine mammal stranding networks and research organizations. The Pacific walrus is managed under U.S. federal law, and population monitoring focuses on sea ice loss and human activity in the Arctic.
For official information on marine mammal management and walrus research, visit the NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammals page.
