Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-07

Il
ivory tusks two or three feet IN
length, that a baby walrus would run
very little risk of being kidnapped or stoien'
yet the opposite is true.
The terrific aspect of the walrus It's enor,
nous size, its ugly bewrinkled face, scared
countenance and mighty strength go tor
naught against several willy enemies that toi-
low in its wake and evidently hold its power
of defense or offense at very low estimate
These bold kidnappers or rovers OF the sea
are small whales or orcas; not so very small
either, as they sometimes attain length OF
fifteen feet.
They are easily recognized, especially a
Pacific coast variety, by very tall top or
drosal fin that is turned back at the tip, CIV
ing the orca a rakish appearance.
Of all the animals of the sea, not even ex-
cepting the shark this small whale is most
dreaded by a number of animals. 1t is
rapid in its movements, a powerful swimmer
and leaper, and is provided with mouthful
of sharp, cleaning, ivory teeth-formidable
weapons, as We shall see
The orca as might be expected from so
active an animal, has a voracious appetite,
and nothing apparently comes amiss.
In company with a few of its kind it has
been known to attack large whale just kill
ed, and drag it away from the whalers, not
needing their attacks with spade and lance.
Seals they chase and capture as barracuda
would herring. while small porpoises, or fish
of any kind, are acceptable to these ruthless
destroyers.
Whether the orca has an especial fondness
for the seal family or not would be difficult
to state, but one thing is evident. that when
there is suspicion of an orea in harbor or
inlet every seal betakes itself to the shore,
and does not venture out until the danger is
passed.
The walrus. from its large size and fero-
cions appearance. might well be expected to
be given a wide berth by these rangers of the
sea. but far from this; they are followed up,
and while the old ones are not the object OF
direct attack the orcas will not hesitate to
surround one and kidnap its young in the
boldest manner possible, and as the walrus
is most affectionate parent, the struggle with
the kidnappers is often sanguinary one.
The orcas, as rule, 60 in schools; some
times dozen or more, or sometimes two or
three forming. a company; and when very
hungry they skirt the shores of islands, fol-
lowing down the rocky points in the hope of
finding some member of the seal family in
an unguarded position and catching it be-
fore it reaches place of security.
hunt of this kind. They were following down
the rocky shores of an island, about thirty
miles out in the Pacific, and approached
every boat ahoat at the time, chasing some
in shore and causing the greatest alarm to the
pleasure-seekers who were out at the time.
As suggested. the walrus is famous for the
care and affection it bestows upon its young
The little one is watched and tended with
the greatest solicitude, until it is well along
in size and can take care for itself.
1t soon takes to the water and accompanies
the old one on trips, far from the ice foes
upon which it finds rest, and it is during
these. expeditions that the orca makes its
attacks.
At the first appearance of pack of these
wolves of the sea, the walrus brings the lit
tie one near it. and rising to the surface,
swims rapidly along, making for the nearest
ice foe.
The orcas do not attack the old walrus
but they soon spy out the baby, that is now,
perhaps, tucked in under the forearm and
held as child would be, and dash about the
bulky. flying form of the protector in a way
that must be confusing.
The tactics of a professional thief are
adopted. One. orca will dash against the
walrus, evidently trying to attract its atten-
tion, while another will make rush for the
baby.
But the old walrus is on the lookout, and
as the long, sleek form of the kidnapper