Walrus Size Explained & Compared With Others

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Amin Tawar

Walrus Length

Walrus Size

Did you know that the walrus, with its formidable size and elongated tusks, is not just a creature of legend, but a very real and fascinating marine mammal found in the Arctic?

They are found in the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas and prefer areas of shallow water with rocky bottoms or ice floes to rest on.  In terms of their size, the walrus is a large marine mammal that lives in the Arctic. 

The walrus is a large marine mammal that is known for its distinctive appearance and impressive size. 

The body of a walrus can grow to be quite large, with adult males typically measuring between 2.7 to 3.6 m (9-12 ft) in length, and adult females measuring slightly smaller at around 2.3 to 3.1 m (7.5-10 ft) long in length. 

These measurements make the walrus one of the largest members of the pinniped family, which includes other large marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and fur seals.

In addition to its length, the walrus also has a thick layer of blubber that helps to insulate it from the cold Arctic waters. This blubber layer can be up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) thick, which is one of the reasons why walrus is able to survive in such harsh environments. 

Walrus LengthMeters Feet
Male 2.7 to 3.6 m9-12 ft
Female 2.3 to 3.1 m7.5-10 ft

Walrus Weight

Moving on, did you know that the walrus is a true heavyweight of the Arctic, with some individuals weighing in at a staggering 1,500 to 1,800 kg (3,300 to 4,000 lb)? 

These large marine mammals are known for their thick blubber and impressive tusks, but their size is certainly one of their most striking features.

Their thick layer of blubber is one of the reasons for their impressive weight, this layer of fat helps the walrus to stay warm in the cold Arctic waters and also provides them with energy reserves for long periods of fasting.

Adult male walruses typically weigh between 800 to 1,700 kg (1,764-3,748 lb), with some males being even bigger. 

Adult females are smaller, typically weighing between 400 to 1,250 kg (882-2,756 lb). Even with the size difference, both sexes are considered large marine mammals. 1

Walrus weight Kilograms Pounds 
Male 800 to 1,700 kg1,764-3,748 lb
Female 400 to 1,250 kg(882-2,756 lb)

Walrus Tusk & Teeth Size

Despite being widely acknowledged as a distinguishing trait of the species, did you know that walrus tusks are simply modified teeth? 

These impressive teeth are used for a variety of tasks, including fighting with other males and using them as weapons when fighting through sea ice or defending territory.

The size of the tusks and teeth of the walrus varies depending on the age and gender of the animal. 

Adult males typically have larger tusks than adult females, with tusks that can reach up to 100 cm (39 in) in length. 

Female tusks can reach around 80 cm (31.5 in) in length. The tusks are actually modified upper canine teeth, and they are used for multiple purposes such as, breaking through ice, hauling themselves out of the water, and as weapons for displays of aggression and dominance among males.

The walrus also has strong and powerful jaws with molars and incisors adapted for crushing shells. These teeth are also used to break through sea ice and help in hunting for food such as clams, snails, and other shellfish.

Walrus Baby Size

Have you ever wondered about the size of a baby walrus? These adorable marine mammals, also known as “pups,” may surprise you with their small size at birth.

Newborn walrus pups typically weigh between 60 and 100 pounds (27-45 kg) and measure around 3-4 feet (1-1.2m) in length. Despite this, they grow incredibly fast and reach impressive sizes within a few months.

During the first few months of life, walrus pups nurse on their mother’s milk which is high in fat and protein, which allows them to double their weight within a month and quadruple it in just two months.

By the time they are weaned, at around 4-5 months, they have reached a weight of around 300-400 pounds (136-182 kg) and a length of about 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4m).

Walrus Size Comparison To Human

Walrus Size compared with human

Have you ever wondered just how big a walrus is compared to the average human? To put that in perspective, an adult male walrus can weigh as much as four adult humans and be almost as long as a small car. Their tusks can also reach up to a meter in length, making them several times longer than the average human arm.

These marine mammals are known for their impressive size, but it can be difficult to grasp exactly how large they are in relation to ourselves. 

Adult walruses, both males, and females, can be up to 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) in length and weigh between 1,500 to 1,800 kg (3,300 to 4,000 lb) on average.

On the other hand, adult humans are 5.5 to 5.9 feet in length and 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs) in weight. As a result, you can see that the Walrus is much larger and heavier than us!

Animal type Length Weight 
Walrus Male – 2.7 to 3.6 m(9-12 ft)
Female – 2.3 to 3.1 m(7.5-10 ft)
Male – 800 to 1,700 kg (1,764-3,748 lb)Female – 400 to 1,250 kg(882-2,756 lb)
Average adult human 5.5 to 5.9 feet132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs)

Walrus Size Vs Polar Bear Size Comparison

Bigger than a bear, but smaller than a house: How do walrus and polar bears measure up in size?

When it comes to size, both walrus and polar bears are impressive animals that are well-adapted to life in the Arctic. 

Adult walrus can grow to be up to 2.7 to 3.6 m (9-12 ft) in males and 2.3 to 3.1 m (7.5-10 ft) in females, and weigh as much as 1,700 kg (3748 lb). 

On the other hand, Polar bears can reach lengths of up to 2.4 to 3 meters (5.9 to 9.8 feet) in males and 1.8 to 2.4 meters (5.9 to 7.8 feet) in females, and weigh between 350–700 kg (770–1,540 lb) in males and 331 to 551 pounds (150 – 250 kgs) in females.

In terms of length, the polar bear is slightly smaller than the walrus, but the polar bear is more stocky. Both animals have thick layers of blubber which helps them stay warm in the cold Arctic climate.

Animal type Length Weight 
Walrus Male – 2.7 to 3.6 m(9-12 ft)
Female – 2.3 to 3.1 m(7.5-10 ft)
Male – 800 to 1,700 kg (1,764-3,748 lb)Female – 400 to 1,250 kg(882-2,756 lb)
Polar BearMale:2.4 to 3 meters (5.9 to 9.8 feet)
Female: 1.8 to 2.4 meters (5.9 to 7.8 feet)
Male: 350–700 kg (770–1,540 lb)
Female:331 to 551 pounds (150 – 250 kgs)

Walrus Size Vs Elephant Seal Size Comparison

Walrus Size compared with elephant seal

Have you ever wondered about the size comparison between a walrus and an elephant seal? These marine mammals are both known for their formidable size and adaptations to life in cold coastal regions, but how do they compare to one another?

Adult male elephant seals can grow to be up to 4.2 to 4.8 m (14 to 16 ft) in males and 2.6 to 3 m (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in females, and weigh as much as 1,500 to 3,700 kg (3,300 to 8,200 lb) in males and 350 to 900 kg (770 to 1,980 lb) in females making them one of the largest marine mammals in the world. 

On the other hand, Adult walrus can grow to be up to 2.7 to 3.6 m (9-12 ft) in males and 2.3 to 3.1 m (7.5-10 ft) in females and weigh as much as 1,700 kg (3748 lb).

Overall in terms of length and weight, the elephant seal is significantly larger than the walrus.

Animal type Length Weight 
Walrus Male – 2.7 to 3.6 m(9-12 ft)
Female – 2.3 to 3.1 m(7.5-10 ft)
Male – 800 to 1,700 kg (1,764-3,748 lb)Female – 400 to 1,250 kg(882-2,756 lb)
Southern elephant sealMale 4.2 to 4.8 m (14 to 16 ft)
Female 2.6 to 3 m (8.5 to 9.8 ft)
Male 1,500 to 3,700 kg (3,300 to 8,200 lb)
Female 350 to 900 kg (770 to 1,980 lb)

Walrus Vs Orca Size Comparison

When it comes to marine mammals, few can match the sheer size and power of the walrus and the orca, also known as the killer whale. These two animals are awe-inspiring creatures, each in their own unique way.

The walrus, with its massive bulk and long tusks, is one of the largest pinnipeds in the world. Males can weigh up to 800 to 1,700 kg (1,764-3,748 lb), and grow up to 2.7 to 3.6 m (9-12 ft) in length. 

They are also known for their thick blubber layer which helps them to stay warm in the cold Arctic waters where they primarily dwell. Walrus have distinctive whiskered faces, wide tusks, and bulkier body shapes.

The orca, on the other hand, is more massive than the walrus. Adult males typically reach an average of 10,000 pounds and females reach up to 6,000 pounds. 

Animal type Length Weight 
Walrus Male – 2.7 to 3.6 m(9-12 ft)
Female – 2.3 to 3.1 m(7.5-10 ft)
Male – 800 to 1,700 kg (1,764-3,748 lb)Female – 400 to 1,250 kg(882-2,756 lb)
OrcaMale 32 feet 
Female 28 feet
Male 10,000 pounds.
Female 6,000 pounds

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of Walrus. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You For Reading!

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