A walrus' foreflippers are short and square. Each foreflipper has five digits of about equal length. Each digit has a small and inconspicuous claw. While swimming, a walrus holds its foreflippers against its body or uses them for steering. On land, a walrus positions its foreflippers at right angles to the body for walking.
Walruses have triangular-shaped hind flippers.
Hind flippers have five bony digits. Claws on the three middle digits are larger than those on the outer two digits. Walruses use alternating strokes of the hind flippers to propel themselves in water. Like sea lions, walruses can rotate their hind flippers under their pelvic girdle, enabling them to walk on all fours. A walrus' head is square and broad, with conspicuous tusks and whiskers.