Melting of sea ice blamed as walrus carcasses discovered

WALRUSES are the latest wildlife victims of a changing climate, say conservationists, who warn the loss of the animal’s sea ice habitat is forcing them on to land, where they are at risk of dying in mass stampedes.

Conservation charity WWF said it had obtained footage of more than 100 walrus carcasses spotted by US Geological Survey (USGS) researchers flying near Icy Cape, Alaska, after a massive herd of walruses congregated on the shore.

A preliminary report by experts in the US concluded 131 carcasses found in the area, mostly of calves and young walruses, had been trampled to death by other walruses.

WWF said the reduction in Arctic sea ice cover was forcing the animals to take refuge on land in large numbers, in “haul outs” which can lead to violent stampedes.

Geoff York, WWF’s lead Arctic species biologist, said: “With the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice due to climate change, walruses are losing their habitats and are being forced to congregate on land in massive numbers."