Arctic Expedition, Day 7 : Shore Landing at Poolepynten Island - Meeting a Walrus Colony and Watching a Walrus Fight

In the morning, We made a shore landing with zodiacs on the Island of Poolepynten to visit a walrus colony. Poolepynten is a headland located on the eastern coast of Prins Karls Forland island in Svalbard, within the Forlandsundet strait. It lies inside Forlandet National Park.

Poolepynten landing site

Most walruses were resting on the shore, huddled close for warmth. Some swam nearby, playing and searching for food. The ones in the water approached us, as if curious about our presence, grunting and growling from time to time. At one point, we saw a bigger male bullying another walrus, which turned into a fight.

Walruses are among the largest pinnipeds and can only be found in Arctic regions. Adult male walruses are massive, usually measuring 3 to 3.5 meters in length and weighing between 1000 to 1500 kg, with some males recorded over 2,000 kg.

Walruses feed mainly on clams and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates, using their sensitive whiskers to find food on the seafloor. They are very social, spending most of their time in groups. Dominance in these groups is established by body size and tusk length. Males often fight during mating season for the right to mate, and such battles can be intense, with tusks used for display and combat.

If humans get too close, walruses may get aggressive. Their size and strength mean maintaining a respectful distance is necessary, especially when observing on shore or from small boats.

A Walrus fight