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Recent sea ice melt in the Arctic has forced thousands of walruses onto Alaskan shores, causing scientists to once again question their future.
As the Arctic summer causes sea ice to retreat to the third-lowest levels on record, walrus populations in the Chukchi Sea between Alaska and Russia have hauled out on shore in record numbers.
Between 10,000 and 20,000 walruses, whose bodies are not made to swim long distances and who rely on sea ice to rest as they travel and fish, have hauled out to wait out the summer for the third year in a row.
Scientists are concerned that the haul-out will mean longer swimming periods, placing greater strain on individuals. Young calves are particularly at risk. In 2009, more than 130 walrus carcasses were observed near Icy Cape, Alaska, under similar conditions, with many of those recorded as juvenile.
[WWF]
Mirko Filipovic
September 30, 2010
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