Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 11:56
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Ask Ms. Prevenas

My name is Travis McClinton and I have a question. How does a walrus protect its self from a polar bear?

 Thank You

 Travis

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 21:29

Maggie Prevenas

How very nice to hear from you!I asked Dr. Carleton Ray, the esteemed walrus researcher on board the Healy, your question. Without hesitation he said,"Their tusks and their thick skin."
See walrus do what many animals do when faced with danger, they show their predator their weapon of choice. With your household dog, they show you their teeth. With a walrus, they tip their head back and show the polar bear their tusks. If that doesn't work, the walrus have EXTREMELY thick skin. It's difficult for a polar bear to pierce its skin. Polar bears often choose to give up the big adult walrus and attack the baby or immature animal.
I hope that answers your question, if you have any other questions feel free to send them along!
warmly,
Mrs. P