- Walruses use their tusks to dig up clams from deep, icy bottoms where divers could never penetrate and where few predators can follow.
Defense
- They also are a first line of defense when male rivals fight for harem privileges in mating season, which begins annually in December.
Social Status Indicator
- The tusks length may also offer important clues to female suitors regarding their age and social stature during walrus social interaction.