Walrus Sounds

What sound does a walrus make?

Walruses bellow, grunt, whistle, and — most amazingly — ring like bells! Males have inflatable throat pouches that let them produce a strange, gong-like 'bell' sound underwater during courtship, part of long musical displays that can go on for days.

A beach full of walruses is a rumbling, roaring, snorting orchestra as animals grumble over the best resting spots. Calves bark and bellow for their mothers, who are famously devoted and answer right away.

About the Walrus

Walruses are large marine mammals found in the Arctic seas of the Northern Hemisphere. They are easily recognized by their tusks, whiskers, and bulky bodies. Walruses use their iconic tusks for a variety of purposes, including hauling themselves out of the water, breaking breathing holes in ice, and males use them in fighting for dominance. These social animals often haul out in large groups on ice floes or beaches. Walruses are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. They feed primarily on mollusks, which they find using their sensitive whiskers. Walruses play an important role in their Arctic ecosystems and are culturally significant to many Arctic indigenous peoples. Climate change poses a significant threat to walruses as it affects the sea ice they depend on for resting, breeding, and accessing feeding areas.

Walrus questions

What sound does a walrus make?

Walruses bellow, grunt, and whistle — and males 'ring' like underwater bells using special throat pouches during courtship displays.

What are walrus tusks for?

Both males and females use their tusks to haul themselves onto ice, break breathing holes, and show status — the biggest tusks usually win arguments without a fight.