ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—Given a choice between giving birth on land or sea ice, Pacific walrus mothers most often choose ice. Likewise, they prefer sea ice for molting, mating, nursing and resting between dives for food. A lawsuit making its way through federal court in Alaska will decide whether Pacific walruses should be listed as a threatened species, giving them additional protections. The U.S. federal government in 2008 listed polar bears as a threatened species because of diminished sea ice brought on by climate warming. Pacific walrus males grow to 12 feet (3.7 metres) long and up to 4,000 pounds (1,815 kilograms) — more than an average midsize sedan.

Source: thestar October 13, 2018 21:22 UTC