May 8, 2007 Bering Sea Station # 200

I went up to the bridge earlier today to do an ice observation and noticed quite a crowd. I found out as I took my three photos of the ice that the ship was heading toward a herd of walrus. Of course, not too close and under the supervision of walrus specialist, Carleton Ray, the ship was approaching the herd within minutes. Carleton had waited in anticipation all day for just the right ice conditions that would bring some walrus into view.

Carleton Views

Carleton Ray checks with his binoculars the location of the walrus herd.

Carleton Ray wasn’t always interested in walruses. In fact, his early years were spent at Yale working with amphibians. He continued his work with amphibians and physiological ecology at Berkeley and finished his PhD at Columbia. Even today, he still has a fascination with amphibians and enjoys taking care of his pet frogs. Still, one may wonder how did he go from such small creatures to the mammoth beasts of the Arctic? Basically, according to Carleton, it was by sheer luck. He took up the hobby of scuba diving and realized that he knew nothing of the wonders under the water. So he began to learn about the fish that he’d seen on his dives. In fact, he became such an expert that he wrote an underwater field guide to marine life. He also went to work at the New York Aquarium. The aquarium wanted to bring walruses back for exhibits but had never had much success. So Carleton, wanting to prove his ability, took on the job to bring back a walrus. It took him several tries and he learned quite a bit about his subject.

In fact, he learned that they needed warmth as they were growing even though they lived in such cold, harsh conditions. While chuckling, Carleton told me of how he had brought two walrus pups into his living quarters while in Gamble and was suddenly woken up one night having trouble breathing. Well his trouble was from one of the pups trying to get into his sleeping bag. He said it was one of those moments where he realized that of course the pups needed companionship and warmth to grow and be healthy.

Walrus Herd

The herd of walrus that Carleton had been hoping to see.

As we began to pass the walrus herd, everyone flocked to the starboard side to catch a glimpse of these magnificent tusked creatures. No wonder, with one look I could see their sheer girth and could understand why Carleton Ray could spend so many years learning about them. They are such curious creatures with their massive bodies that all seem to want to be on top of one another and have no real predators as adults except for humans.  As moved passed the walrus herd, a sad thought passed through me that this could be the last time for me to see a walrus in its natural environment. The days are numbered as we begin to finish the science sampling and head back towards Dutch Harbor. I have mixed emotions because I really want to get back to everyone and at the same time I don’t want this amazing experience to end. The ability at any moment to go look out on the bridge and see ice and maybe a seal is coming to an end.

Walrus Close

A closer look at the herd on the ice. Look closely because it might be my last. (Photo Courtesy of Dave Withrow)