Senses

A. Hearing.

A walrus' hearing is thought to be sensitive. Eskimos imitating walrus sounds have obtained a response from walruses 1.6 km (1 mi.) away.

B. Eyesight.

1. Eyes are small and located high and toward the sides of the head. The eyes can be rotated forward.

2. Researchers believe that walruses' eyesight is not as sharp as other pinnipeds'. Because walruses feed on sedentary bottom-dwelling animals, acute vision is not necessary.

C. Tactile.

1. A walrus' skin is thick and not particularly sensitive to touch.

2. Walruses seek out physical contact with other walruses.

3. Vibrissae (whiskers) are extremely sensitive tactile organs. A substantial nerve system transmits tactile information from the vibrissae to the brain.

D. Taste.

Walruses prefer certain foods, but researchers do not know how acute the sense of taste is or how important it is in food preference.

E. Smell.

The sense of smell in air is well-developed. It probably functions mainly in mother/calf recognition and for sensing approaching predators or other walruses while hauled out.

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
www.seaworld.org / www.buschgardens.org