During the winter and spring, walruses drift along on large floating fields of ice. In summer, some may rest on shore. A walrus spends much time in the water seeking clams, its favorite food. It uses its tongue to form a vacuum to suck clams into its mouth and to suck the flesh from the shell. A walrus has bristles on its upper lip that are sensitive to touch and probably help it find food.
Scientists classify the walrus as a kind of large seal.
The walrus is the only seal with tusks. A walrus defends itself from polar bears with its tusks. It also uses them as hooks when climbing onto ice. Walruses do not normally attack people. However, an angry, wounded walrus can injure a hunter or damage a boat with its tusks.