Some scientists believe that pinnipeds belong to a separate order of mammals.
Others believe that pinnipeds belong to the sub-order Pinnipedia within the order Carnivora. Odobenids include the walruses and have no external ear flaps. Odobenids can also turn their rear flippers forward for locomotion on land. The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation operates the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program . The Program responds to an average of 170 animals each year.