Only the fleshy parts are eaten. It is believed that these parts are torn away from the rest of the clam by strong suction, a method of feeding for which the mouth of the walrus is ideally designed. The tusks are probably not used to any great extent during feeding. The rejected shells can be found on the sea floor alongside the holes and furrows made by feeding animals. Other food items include snails, crabs, shrimps, worms, and occasionally seals.
Walruses usually find food by brushing the sea-bottom with their broad, flat muzzles.
The tusks are used for fighting, for climbing on both land and ice, and for emergencies of various kinds. A female walrus was observed literally demolishing a heavy piece of ice to free her calf, which had fallen into a crevasse. The tusks were as effective as a pick-axe. The presence of 12 men within 30 feet did not distract her from her task. Attempts to assist her in her efforts were met by furious charges and a threatening noise made by rapidly opening and closing her mouth.