Built-In Ice Picks: Walruses have enlarged upper canine teeth, or tusks, up to 3 feet long. The walrus uses its tusks to chop breathing holes in ice and to get from water onto floes, jabbing the ice as it hoists up its body.
Deadly Weapons: In struggles for dominance, the male displays its tusks. Usually the behavior is limited to posturing, but violence can ensue, with a walrus striking its tusks points first into its opponent. Adult males develop hide thickening on the neck and shoulders, perhaps due to scarring from such battles.
Frigid Food: Walruses feed on invertebrates such as crustaceans, starfish and mollusks, which they suck out of the shell. They also prey on fish and seals.
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