Walruses rest out of the water between foraging bouts

When sea ice is available female walruses and young rest on ice pans near their foraging sites. When sea ice is absent walruses come to gather on shore where they may be surveyed.  USGS works with local authorities and residents to survey walrus herds onshore. In the foreground, Eskimo Walrus Commissioner, Robert Lisbourne, observes a walrus herd while USGS researcher prepares a small drone for an aerial survey.