Hi! I\u2019m Reyd, a researcher from Carleton University. I study walruses and the ecosystems they rely on in the icy waters of Nunavut \u2014and I\u2019m excited to share my project with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walruses are incredible Arctic animals. Weighing up to 3,700 pounds, these blubbery giants might look slow and sleepy on land, but in the water, they\u2019re graceful swimmers with strong flippers and the ability to hold their breath for over 30 minutes! They use their sensitive whiskers to feel along the ocean floor, searching for tasty clams, worms, and other ocean snacks. And those famous tusks? They\u2019re not just for show\u2014walruses use them to help haul themselves out of the water and onto sea ice or rocky shores, and sometimes even to compete for space in their massive, noisy walrus groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But even though walruses are built to survive the harsh Arctic, their world is changing. As industrial activity in the Arctic grows, so does the risk of pollution. One of the biggest concerns is oil contamination. Even small amounts of oil in the environment can cause big problems for wildlife, including marine mammals like walruses and the seabirds that share their habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why I\u2019m working with the communities of Nain and Postville, Labrador to better understand how these contaminants affect the Arctic food web. Local youth are helping with the research as citizen scientists, monitoring wildlife and collecting data on the health of the environment. The more we learn, the better we can protect this fragile ecosystem and amazing animals like the walrus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you adopt a walrus, you\u2019re not just helping me continue this important research, you\u2019re also helping inspire the next generation of Arctic conservation heroes! Your support means I can travel to Nunatsiavut to lead fieldwork and host hands-on science training for youth in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, we\u2019re learning how to protect the walrus and all the creatures who call the Arctic home. Thanks for being part of the team!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out the Adoptions section in the Earth Rangers App or visit the Earth Rangers Shop to get your Walrus Adoption Kit. Make a difference today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Hi! I\u2019m Reyd, a researcher from Carleton University. I study walruses and the ecosystems they rely on in the icy waters of Nunavut \u2014and I\u2019m excited to share my project with you! Walruses are incredible Arctic animals. Weighing up to 3,700 pounds, these blubbery giants might look slow and sleepy on land, but in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141667,"featured_media":604524,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[931],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-604510","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-all"},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t