Dead Walruses Spotted on Alaska Coast: Nearly 200 Carcasses

Up to 200 walrus carcasses – mostly calves – have been spotted on the shore of Chukchi Sea on Alaska’s northwest coast.

While on their way to a walrus tagging project, federal wildlife researchers discovered nearly 200 dead walruses about 140 miles southwest of Barrow, on Icy Cape.

Although the age and cause of death is not officially known, the walruses appear to be mainly new calves or yearlings, according to early reports.

Last week, around 3,500 walruses were reported at the site, a known feeding ground for the herds. Walrus calves are often crushed when large numbers congregate on land – a situation which has become frequent as climate change melts the sea ice.

Pacific walruses are at serious risk as their ice platforms continue to disappear as a result of global warming. Without ice floes on which to rest and forage, extreme numbers of walruses are forced onto land areas. Another threat is planned oil development in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska – the most important feeding ground for the Pacific walrus.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently reviewing the status of the Pacific walrus to determine whether or not it will receive Endangered Species Act protections.

Image source: istock.com