Walrus Day in Russia Date in the current year: November 24, 2024

The walrus is a large marine mammal that inhabits the Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas of the Northern Hemisphere. It is the only living species in its family and genus; there are two subspecies, the Atlantic walrus and the Pacific walrus.

The main distinctive features of the walrus are its tusks and whiskers, as well as its size (adult male walrus can weigh over 2 metric tons). It feeds on small marine organisms and may occasionally pray on seabirds, seals and ice-entrapped narwhals. Due to their considerable size and threatening tasks, walrus don’t have natural predators, except for the polar bear and the killer whale.

Historically, the walrus were important for the livelihood of indigenous Arctic peoples, who hunted them for meat, fat, skin, bone, and tusks (walrus ivory). They also played an important role in the religion and folklore of these peoples, appearing frequently in myths and legends. For example, the Chukhi have a legend about an old woman with a walrus head, who is linked to the Inuit deity Sedna, the goddess of the sea and all marine animals.

During the 19th and the early 20th centuries, walruses were subject to commercial hunting by European and American whalers and sealers, which made their population drop significantly. Commercial hunting is no longer a threat now, since it is outlawed in the Arctic and Subarctic regions, although indigenous Circumpolar peoples are permitted to kill small numbers of walrus at the end of the summer season.

Today, the effects of global climate change are the primary concern when it comes to walrus conservation. The pack ice has become thinner over the past few year, which affects walrus since they rely on it while giving birth and lactating. Although the walrus is not listed as a threatened or endangered species, measures need to be taken so that it stays that way.

The inaugural celebration of Walrus Day was held in Chukotka on November 24, 2008. Such a date was chosen because in the last days of autumn, walrus leave the Arctic coast of the Chukchi Sea to spend the winter in the Bering Strait. During their migration, they are especially vulnerable and need protection. Since the first celebration, Walrus Day has been observed annually to raise public awareness about the dangers that walrus face and the importance of walrus conservation.