During winter, individuals tend to concentrate where the ice is relatively thin and dispersed and to avoid extensive areas of thick ice. In summer the males may utilize isolated coastal beaches and rocky islets. Females and young usually remain in the pack ice, especially on floes with a surface area of 100-200 sq meters. Ice seems to be preferred for resting, molting, and bearing young, but land is used if no ice is available. An individual can use its head to break through ice up to 20 cm thick and then maintain and enlarge the hole by abrading the perimeter with the tusks.
Activity goes on both by day and by night.
Terrestrial locomotion is quadrupedal and resembles that of the Otariidae but is accomplished with much less facility and speed. In the water the walrus propels itself by alternating strokes of the hind flippers, in a manner similar to that of the Phocidae. The forelimbs may be used as paddles at low speed but otherwise are held against the body or used only for steering. Foraging dives usually last 2-10 minutes. An animal locates food by swimming headfirst along the ocean bottom, the sensitive vibrissae on the snout constantly in motion and in contact with the floor.