Due to the side effects of climate change, the livelihoods of thousands of walruses are currently being threatened. Rapidly melting sea ice is forcing these animals to take refuge on a remote barrier island in Alaska, according to EcoWatch.
CLIMATE CHANGE THREATENING THE WALRUSES
Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare occurrence. In fact, EcoWatch reports that the Arctic could be entirely “ice-free” in summer months by the 2030s, leaving walruses with no other option than to take refuge on shore. Local indigenous communities that thrive around the presence of this ice will also be largely affected by the unforeseeable consequences.
This year, the first sighting of a walrus “haut out” – as the event is referred to as – was reported by Gary Braasch, an environmental photographer, who spotted the walruses about two miles from the hamlet of Point Lay on August 23rd. In lieu of the event, President Obama is planning to visit the Alaskan Arctic on a three-day tour this coming Monday, on August 31st, according to The Guardian. In doing so, he hopes to draw much needed attention to the growing effects of climate change.
THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME
Last year, roughly 40,000 animals, mostly comprised of females and their babies, faced the same fate; such haul outs are concerning since they can expose the walrus population to a number of external risks. For example, because the animals are easily scared by unfamiliar sounds or objects, stampedes have become a major problem.
Although it is common for Pacific walruses to utilize coastal haulouts during the fall southward migration, females and their young prefer to rest on the ice before migrating back to the Bering Sea. The limited space on the barrier island, however, resulted in the death of 60 young walruses last year.
“Walruses often flee haulouts in response to the sight, sound, or odor of humans or machines. Walruses are particularly sensitive to changes in engine noise and are more likely to stampede off beaches when planes turn or fly low overhead,” stated Andrea Medeiros, a spokeswoman for the fish and wildlife service.
Climate change could alter the world as we know it. Preserve the beauty of nature before it is too late:
